Aviation Fuel Prices Hit Six-Month High in September

U.S. aviation fuel prices climbed to new highs in September 2026, according to several industry surveys, adding pressure for business and general aviation operators. Jet-A and 100LL avgas both rose from August, and some surveys put Jet-A well above $8 per gallon.

What the Surveys Show

GlobalAir, which compiles FBO reports, said Jet-A's September national average finalized at $7.99 per gallon, the third record high of 2026. Its live national average was already well over $8.00 at the time of writing. Aviation Research Group, which surveys U.S. FBOs and includes all taxes and fees in its prices, put Jet-A at $8.49 in September, up 18 cents from August and $1.96 higher than a year earlier.

AirNav, which tracks prices at about 3,586 FBOs nationwide, showed a Jet-A average of $7.68 in its October 6 report.

The figures differ because surveys vary in their methods, including how many FBOs report, whether they count full-service or self-serve prices, and whether taxes and fees are included. All three show Jet-A well above $7.50.

Avgas Also at a High

GlobalAir reported that September's national average for 100LL avgas was $7.59 per gallon, up 8 cents from August and a new high, four cents above the July 2022 peak of $7.55.

Jet-A has remained more expensive than avgas. GlobalAir said Jet-A's national average has exceeded 100LL's for the past seven months. Blended sustainable aviation fuel rose 23 cents in September to a national average of $10.23.

Regional Differences

Prices vary widely by region. AirNav's October 6 data shows Alaska is the most expensive, with a 100LL average of $10.58 and Jet-A at $9.25, while the Central region is the cheapest at $6.99 for 100LL and $6.90 for Jet-A.

Aviation Research Group found the Western Pacific region was the most expensive for Jet-A at $9.16 per gallon, though it had the smallest monthly increase, 7 cents. The Southwest saw the largest monthly increase, 28 cents, and the Central region was again the least expensive at $7.57.

GlobalAir's 30-day national average for full-service 100LL was $7.69, which puts a 40-gallon fill-up at roughly $308. That illustrates why where an operator fuels can matter as much as how much it flies.

What Is Behind the Increase

The aviation price increases come alongside high energy prices more broadly. AAA reported that September 2026 was a record month at the pump, with the national gasoline average at $4.33, 50 cents above the previous September record. Crude oil prices have recently dipped back into the $90-per-barrel range, according to AAA, which lowered the national average slightly, but gasoline prices remain the highest ever for this time of year.

Looking Ahead

Early October data suggests prices have not yet eased. GlobalAir entered October with a live national Jet-A average of $8.26, well above September's finalized figure, and Aviation Research Group's survey showed Jet-A up sharply from a year ago.

The September data is a reminder that fuel remains one of the most volatile costs in aviation, and business and general aviation operators will be watching for signs of relief in the weeks ahead.