According to statistics released by the government on Tuesday, U.S. airlines incurred expenses of 6.66 billion dollars for jet fuel during May, marking the second consecutive month where such costs exceeded six billion dollars.

This amount for May represented an 84 percent increase compared to the previous year. In April, carriers paid 6.47 billion dollars for fuel, as reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Most of the increase in spending year-over-year stems from elevated jet fuel prices instead of a major rise in consumption volume. U.S. airlines utilized 1.627 billion gallons in May, which is 0.6 percent less than in May 2025. Usage in April was also marginally reduced versus the prior year.

The mean cost per gallon paid by airlines in May stood at 4.09 dollars, a minor drop from 4.11 dollars in April, yet 85 percent above the 2.21 dollars paid in May 2025, according to the agency.

Carriers globally have adjusted to higher fuel prices through increased fares and charges along with reduced flight operations. As one of the major expenses for the sector, fuel leaves airlines exposed to fluctuations in energy markets.

These numbers highlight the ongoing effects from the steep climb in energy prices following the onset of Middle East tensions earlier this year, which affected shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, an essential pathway for worldwide oil and fuel transport.

Energy prices have moderated from peak levels in spring following an interim ceasefire accord between the U.S. and Iran, providing some respite to airlines after expensive months. Nevertheless, the agreement stays uncertain.

On Tuesday, three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz were hit by projectiles, per British military reports, and the U.S. withdrew a permit enabling Iranian oil transactions under the deal.

Delta Air Lines plans to announce its second-quarter earnings on Friday, starting a series of financial reports from U.S. airlines. Leaders will likely address the potential influence of recent fuel price drops on future industry performance.

Based on the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index, the average jet fuel price per gallon reached 2.88 dollars at major hubs including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York on Tuesday. This marked the first time since early March that prices dropped below three dollars on June 15, staying under that level thereafter.