New Delhi, April 1 -- Amid elevated global crude prices, state-run oil marketing companies have nearly doubled aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for April, raising costs sharply for airlines.

In the national capital, the price of ATF for domestic airlines has been hiked to Rs.207,341.22 per kilolitre with effect from 1 April - up 114% from Rs.96,638.14 in March.

The price increase comes amid a surge in global crude since the war between the US, Israel and Iran began on 28 February, and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran - a key choke point for about 20% of global oil trade.

The steep rise in ATF, which accounts for 35-45% of an airline's operating costs, could squeeze margins and push up ticket prices just as peak...