Haj Airfares Increase Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs Sparks Political Controversy
Haj Airfares Hiked By Rs 10,000 Over Jet Fuel Costs, Opposition Protests
Ndtv
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The Haj Committee has raised airfares by ₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) per pilgrim due to increased jet fuel costs, leading to political backlash. The government cites geopolitical tensions in the Middle East for the hike, while opposition leaders argue it unfairly burdens pilgrims who save for years to undertake the journey.
- 01Airfares for Haj pilgrims increased by ₹10,000 due to rising jet fuel costs.
- 02The government attributes the hike to geopolitical tensions affecting crude oil supply.
- 03Opposition leaders criticize the decision as exploitative, especially for low-income pilgrims.
- 04The revised airfare must be paid by May 15, 2026.
- 05Jet fuel prices have risen by 5% due to ongoing global energy price increases.
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A political controversy has erupted following the Haj Committee's decision to raise airfares by ₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) per pilgrim for this year's pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The increase is attributed to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, which have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel's actions against Iran. The government has defended the fare hike, stating that it was limited to $100 after negotiations, despite airlines initially requesting increases of $300–$400 per pilgrim. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju acknowledged the emotional significance of the Haj for many families but emphasized the unavoidable rise in costs due to external factors. Opposition leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Imran Pratapgarhi, have condemned the hike as unjust, arguing that it exploits pilgrims who have already paid substantial fees to the Haj Committee. The new fare must be settled by May 15, 2026, as jet fuel prices continue to rise, impacting airline operating costs significantly.
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The fare increase places an additional financial burden on pilgrims, many of whom save for years to afford the Haj. This could deter some from undertaking the pilgrimage.
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