El Al Ups Fuel Surcharge As Oil Reaches USD$60

El Al Israel Airlines said Thursday it was raising fuel surcharges by up to USD$25 per flight sector, effective May 21, in response to rising global oil prices.

"This week the price of oil surpassed USD$60 a barrel, an 80 percent rise from its level of USD$33 in January," El Al said in a statement.

It said fuel charges would rise USD$5 for short-haul flights, USD$10 for medium-haul flights -- such as Europe -- and USD$25 for long-haul flights, except for its new route to Brazil.

The charges will not apply to tickets bought with frequent flier miles.

Last year, El Al increased fuel charges numerous times when oil reached USD$145 a barrel.

Oil prices dipped back below USD$57 a barrel on Thursday.