Source: Lufthansa
Date: 23rd March 2026 

Ongoing fuel market volatility and supply constraints continue to impact global air cargo costs.

Global aviation fuel markets remain under significant pressure as geopolitical developments in the Middle East continue to disrupt supply chains and energy flows. Jet fuel availability remains tight, with ongoing volatility driving prices sharply higher relative to crude oil. These conditions are creating sustained cost pressures across the aviation and air cargo sectors.

The Middle East plays a critical role in the production and export of refined aviation fuel. Ongoing disruptions to export flows and shipping routes cannot be fully offset elsewhere. At the same time, limited global refining capacity and the typically low storage levels for jet fuel are intensifying short-term supply constraints and price volatility.

Lufthansa Cargo Adjustment
In response to these sustained cost pressures, Lufthansa Cargo has announced a further adjustment to its Airfreight Surcharge, increasing from:

• €1.20/kg → €1.45/kg
• Effective: 30 March 2026
• Increase: +€0.25/kg

The airline noted that despite continued mitigation efforts, the exceptional rise in jet fuel costs makes further adjustments unavoidable to maintain operational stability and service reliability.

Please note the following regarding the application of the surcharge:

• The airfreight surcharge is determined based on the Latest Acceptance Time (LAT), not the flight date.
• If a significant booking update is made after the surcharge adjustment has been communicated, the newly published surcharge level will automatically apply.
• If the last significant booking update was completed prior to the announcement, the shipment may still be rated using the previously valid surcharge level, even if the LAT falls within the new surcharge validity period.

In all cases, the applicable surcharge level is the one most recently confirmed at the time of booking or last significant booking update, in accordance with the carrier’s rate and price conditions.

Current market conditions continue to reflect broader pressure across global energy and logistics networks:

• Refined fuel supply remains constrained, particularly for aviation-grade fuel
• Energy shipping routes are experiencing disruptions, affecting distribution flows
• Airlines are facing increased operating costs, driven by both fuel prices and longer routing requirements
• Fuel price volatility is expected to persist as supply chains remain sensitive to geopolitical developments

Unlike crude oil, jet fuel cannot be easily substituted and is produced in limited volumes, making the aviation sector particularly exposed to supply disruptions.

The continued increase in fuel surcharges is expected to have direct implications across global supply chains. Shippers may face higher airfreight costs and more frequent surcharge adjustments. Importers and exporters may see increased landed costs and the need to review pricing strategies.
Capacity constraints may intensify, as airlines optimise operations under higher fuel costs. Some cargo flows may shift toward alternative modes or routes, depending on urgency and cost sensitivity

Businesses are advised to monitor surcharge updates closely, plan shipments with flexibility, and anticipate continued volatility in air freight pricing.

Fuel market conditions remain highly dynamic and closely linked to geopolitical developments. As long as supply disruptions persist and refining capacity remains constrained, jet fuel prices, and consequently airfreight surcharges, are likely to remain elevated.

In this environment, agility in logistics planning and close coordination with carriers will be essential to maintaining reliable and cost-effective supply chains.