Monica Pitrelli

Journalist/Lawyer


CNBC •

Why Japanese airlines' $400 fuel surcharges are hitting now — and when they will end

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines increased fuel surcharges Wednesday, with fees topping $400 on some long-haul flights. The hikes, which apply to tickets purchased in July and August, come even as jet-fuel rates in Asia are dropping. That's because Japan's two largest airlines calculate the fees based on averages that lag current prices by several months. Jet fuel fell to $113 per barrel Wednesday, from a record high of $242 per barrel in late March, according to data from LSEG. But the sur...
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The Iran war is providing an unexpected boost to secondary city travel in Asia-Pacific

Trips to smaller "secondary cities" across Asia-Pacific are getting a boost this summer as travelers opt for destinations closer to home amid concerns over geopolitical tensions and rising costs.Nearly half of global travelers are scaling back their travel plans, with many choosing domestic trips instead, according to Allianz Partners' Global Travel Confidence Index. The survey of about 11,000 respondents, published in May, found that around 60% of respondents from China and India planned to tra...
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Airlines are struggling but China's 'Big Three' face a tougher year than most

China's biggest airline stocks have suffered more than others since the war in Iran began, as a combination of factors weighs them down.The country's carriers -- which swung to a quarterly profit in the beginning of 2026 -- are caught in a pincer of higher fuel costs and a price-wary domestic market being eroded by high-speed rail. Jet fuel prices soared after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February. And while many global peers are hedged against swings in fuel prices, Chinese a...
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U.S. indicts four Chinese container manufacturers alleging pandemic-era price-fixing cartel

The U.S. Justice Department has indicted four Chinese shipping giants for conspiring to restrict container output to fix prices during the pandemic era, in one of the most significant antitrust actions brought against Chinese firms in years, even as both sides seek to stabilize bilateral ties.China International Marine Containers, or CIMC, Singamas Container Holdings, Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment, and CXIC Group Containers colluded to cut container output from November 2019 to early 20...
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Singapore Airlines sticking with Air India for the "long game" despite losses

Singapore Airlines has seen Air India drag on its earnings for about five quarters, but analysts and the airline say the investment will pay off in the long term.SIA reported on Thursday a record revenue of 20.5 billion Singapore dollars ($16.06 billion) for its financial year ended March 31, as operating profit surged 39% to SG$2.38 billion on higher demand, higher yields and lower full year net fuel cost, SIA said. However, net profit plunged 57.4% year-on-year to SG$1.18 billion— mainly owing...
CNBC •

Why ships bound for the Middle East are piling up across Asia

Congestion in Singapore's waters is rising as the Iran war disrupts shipping routes, forcing vessels bound for the Middle East to drop anchor near its ports. See how Singapore's highly automated port — the world's largest transshipment hub — is managing the surge in traffic.For information on CNBC's CONVERGE LIVE event which takes place in Singapore 22-23 April 2026, visit: www.cnbc.com/converge-live/ Congestion in Singapore's waters is rising as the Iran war disrupts shipping routes, forcing v...
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