Business World

Delta Air Lines Inc. on Thursday raised its fuel surcharge by $10 round-trip, according to airfare price tracking Web site FareCompare.com.

The Atlanta-based carrier attempted to raise fares by a similar amount last week, but that effort failed after most other airlines failed to follow suit. Because of stiff competition, widespread airfare increases launched by one airline typically gain hold only when they are matched by competitors.

A representative from Delta (DAL, Fortune 500) could not immediately be reached for comment.

The increase came as crude-oil prices shot back above $107 a barrel following the bombing of a key Iraqi oil pipeline quick payday. Light, sweet crude for May delivery rose $1.68 to settle at $107.58 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after earlier rising as high as $108.22.

Fuel represents one of the airline industry’s biggest expense, and carriers have been aggressively trying to push ticket prices higher as the cost of fuel has risen.

Delta shares fell 27 cents, or 3.2 percent, to $8.45 in afternoon trading. 

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