TOKYO - JAPAN Airlines, Asia's largest carrier, said on Wednesday it plans to raise its fuel surcharge on international routes from the start of April because of rocketing energy costs.

JAL said it had requested approval from the transport ministry to hike the surcharge for three months.

The extra charge on a ticket from Japan to Europe or the mainland United States will rise to 20,000 yen (S$261) from 17,000 yen, it said.

The announcement came just two weeks after JAL said it would raise its regular international air fares by up to 17 per cent mainly because of higher fuel costs.

Japan's number two carrier, All Nippon Airways, has already unveiled plans to raise its fuel surcharge on international flights from April 1.

Crude oil futures closed above US$100 a barrel in New York on Tuesday for the first time due to supply worries. -- AFP