local
US airlines’ monthly fuel spending topped $6 billion again in May, up 84% from year ago
By Rio Yamat, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, the second straight month that fuel costs topped $6 billion, according to government data released Tuesday.The May figure was 84% higher than a year earlier. Airlines spent $6.47 billion on fuel in April, the Bureau of Transportation Statistic...
Key takeaway 47 billion on fuel in April, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics said.
Why this matters in The Pearland
For Pearland residents, the surge in US airlines' fuel spending has a direct impact on travel costs. As airlines raise fares and fees to offset the increased expense, locals may face higher prices for flights out of Houston's airports. The average price of jet fuel in Houston was $2.90 per gallon on Monday, still significantly higher than last year's prices. This could affect not only personal travel but also business trips, potentially impacting the local economy. With Delta Air Lines set to report its second-quarter financial results, it will be worth watching how the company's executives discuss the impact of fuel prices on their finances and what this might mean for future air travel costs in the Houston area. As the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, Pearland residents should be prepared for continued volatility in air travel prices.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, the second straight month that fuel costs topped $6 billion, according to government data released Tuesday.The May figure was 84% higher than a year earlier. Airlines spent $6.47 billion on fuel in April, the Bureau of Transportation Statistic...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rio Yamat, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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