Chinese airlines announced Monday that they will raise fuel surcharges for domestic flights by around 25 percent, starting February 22, 2011, Beijing Business Today reported.

Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Kunming Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Grand China Air, and other airlines announced a rise to 90 yuan for flights over 800 kilometers, up from 70 yuan. For flights of 800 kilometers or less the surcharge will rise to 50 yuan from the previous 40 yuan.

The move is seen as a response to the recent oil price hike. China announced Saturday that it was raising the price of jet fuel by 300 yuan per tonne. The price of No.3 jet fuel, the fuel most commonly used by airlines, has reached 6,340 yuan per tonne, 2200 yuan higher than the benchmark price of 4,140 yuan per tonne. Gasoline and diesel prices were also raised by 350 yuan (about $53) per tonne.

China's business press carried the story above on Tuesday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.