China based airlines including China Southern Airlines have decided to raise domestic jet fuel surcharges to about 50 percent with effect from Tuesday for offsetting the pressure ensuing from shooting oil prices. With citation to regulators, an aviation industry web site reported this information on Monday.

According to the approvals made by regulators, the report says that the increase in domestic fuel surcharges are effected from CNY60 to CNY80 yuan (USD$11.67) for flights operated over 800 kilometre (497 miles) or less, and from CNY100 to CNY150 for flights operated over longer distances.

Also, the announcement made by the regulators says that the ex-refinery jet prices of the country have been raised by CNY 1,500 per tonne with effect from June 20. This factor has considerably delivered a double-whammy to domestic airlines that are already suffering from a drop in passenger volume from the month of May, during when a devastating earthquake hit southwest China.

Ever since, China's big airlines, including Air China and China Eastern Airlines, have been striving to get the permission from Chinese authorities for increasing the surcharge.

Luo Zhuping, a spokesman for China Eastern noted, "The hike in the fuel surcharge is helpful but we might still suffer as air traffic demand is falling and airlines have to offer discounts to attract customers."

However, Li Fenghua, China Eastern Chairman said the reporters that the carrier is expected to be profitable during the first half ensuing from robust traffic during the period between January and April.