[THE INVESTOR] Korean airlines will impose higher fuel surcharge on international passengers next month due to the rise in jet fuel prices, industry sources said on Nov. 16.

Local airlines didn’t impose a fuel surcharge on long-haul routes from May to September, as the average price of jet fuel remained below the benchmark US$1.50 per gallon.

They did, however, add the charges on international routes last month due to the average fuel price surpassing that figure.

Fuel surcharges on international routes will rise by up to 36,000 won (US$32.60) in December from the current maximum of 20,400 won for this month, according to airline officials. 

The average jet fuel price of US$1.70 per gallon, the basis for next month’s fuel surcharges, is up from last month’s US$1.63, they said.

By Alex Lee and newswires (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)