Air travellers may have to pay more for their travel as airlines grapple with higher ATF prices. With prices of crude oil firming up, an ATF price rise is inevitable. A 20 per cent rise in crude oil prices from the current $65-70 per barrel could bring down operating margins to 4-6 per cent. Airlines may have to pass on the increased fuel cost to consumers, which could affect demand, according to a report by CARE Ratings.