 The airlines wanted to pass on costs to customers |
US airlines, faced with soaring energy prices, have decided not to pass on the costs to their customers after all. Several carriers have given in to consumer pressure, just days after announcing fuel surcharges.
American, Continental, United, Northwest and Delta airlines had initially wanted to introduce the $5 surcharges before this weekend.
But when competing budget airlines failed to follow suit, the major carriers were forced to rethink.
Expensive fuel
"We reversed the decision... for competitive reasons," said a Continental Airlines official.
Crude oil, which is used to make jet fuel, is trading at record levels well above $30 per barrel.
Earlier this month, US light, sweet crude stood at $38, its highest level in 13 years.
Energy prices are set to remain high as the oil producers' cartel Opec goes ahead with a cut in oil output on 1 April.
A reduction in the supply of oil would push prices higher.
One-Minute World News 
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