TOKYO - Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares – or will soon – to factor in surging jet fuel prices spurred by war in the Middle East.

The average world price of aviation fuel reached US$173.91 (S$221.27) a barrel on March 9, according to the benchmark Platts index, nearly double the levels of January and well above crude oil.