AIR fares in China will rise by 6 percent tomorrow, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

　　Rising fuel prices were the main reason for the increase, CAAC said. Although air fares come under national pricing guidelines, airline companies still have the right to decide whether to raise fares and by how much up to 6 percent.

　　CAAC did not say whether it would raise air ticket prices for international flights.

　　Airline sources said air tickets bought before Oct.10 would not be affected by the price hike.

　　Rising oil prices, which were triggered by U.S. war threats against Iraq, have also sent China’s gasoline and gas prices rocketing.

　　Gas prices in Shenzhen surged about 8 percent from Oct. 1 along with hefty hikes in gasoline prices.

　　(SD-Xinhua)