A new pricing mechanism of fuel surcharge that links it with airlines' jet fuel costs has been introduced to offset rising jet fuel costs, China's top economic planner announced in Beijing Thursday.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), together with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), said in a statement on its website that the fuel surcharge keep abreast with China's jet fuel comprehensive purchasing costs.
The new mechanism, which would take effect on Nov 14, aims to "help the airlines with fluctuating fuel prices", as jet fuel costs usually account for 40 percent of the total costs of China's airline companies, said the statement.
Currently, the surcharge level was set uniformly by the government.
According to the new mechanism, when jet fuel comprehensive purchasing cost is lower than 4140 yuan a ton, the benchmark price of jet fuel, airline companies should not charge fuel surcharge.
When jet fuel comprehensive purchasing cost exceeds the level, the companies should digest at least 20 percent of the rising cost and then charge appropriate surcharge, the statement said.
Also, fuel surcharge should be reduced or canceled within five days after jet fuel comprehensive purchasing cost drops, it said.
China raised gasoline and diesel prices both by 480 yuan ($70.28) a ton Tuesday. The benchmark price of gasoline reached 7,100 yuan a ton and that of diesel 6,360 yuan a ton, according to the NDRC.