Secretary Slater Releases BTS Report Showing Increase In Jet Fuel Prices

Contact BTS 21-00 Catrina Pavlik 202-366-1500

Thursday, December 21, 2000 -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) showing that jet fuel prices paid by major air carriers continue to climb dramatically.

The report, the fourth in the Transportation Indicators series, shows that jet fuel prices for scheduled services were up 53 percent in October 2000, compared to the same time last year. This information is part of the monthly update of critical transportation information that details the impact of transportation on the nation's economy and society.

"The continuing rise in jet fuel prices demonstrates the importance of President Clinton's plan to strengthen America's energy security with new steps to enhance the sound, comprehensive energy strategy that has helped keep the U.S. economy robust," U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater said. "These steps will enhance America's energy security, create jobs, protect the environment, and produce long-term savings for consumers."

Dr. Ashish Sen, BTS Director, said, "BTS is leading the effort to gather information on trends that are changing the transportation system. This information will help decision makers, in the private and public sectors, to make educated policy decisions about the transportation industry."

Transportation Indicators provides information on more than 60 trends in the areas of safety, mobility, economic growth, the human and natural environment, and national security. The monthly report, which is available at www.bts.gov, provides information to address specific transportation issues and to assist in the effort led by BTS to make transportation information more accurate, reliable, and timely.

Other trends highlighted in this month's Transportation Indicators include:

• nearly 24 percent of the scheduled flights of U.S. major air carriers did not arrive on time in October 2000, a record high for the month of October
• waterborne trade tonnage in August 2000 was 12 percent higher than in August 1999
• producer prices for highway and street construction in November 2000 remain almost 7 percent higher than a year ago
• manufacturers' new orders declined 3 percent in October from the previous month in 2000
• manufacturers' new orders of transportation equipment declined 16 percent in October from the previous month this year
• new car sales in November 2000 were more than 6 percent below sales in November 1999
• the value of U.S.-Mexico trade shipped by truck increased 20 percent, by rail 56 percent and by pipeline 77 percent between September 1999 and September 2000.

Continual updating of information on trends will help in developing forecasts for the future, both within the department and outside. The monthly report will also help transportation decision-makers spot changes that might require rapid action. Updated reports will be available the fourth week of every month.