American Airlines said on Wednesday that its cargo unit was boosting the fuel surcharge it levies.

The surcharge will rise to USD$0.45 per kilogram from USD$0.40 for US-based international shipments and to USD$0.18 per kilogram from USD$0.16 for domestic service.

American said the increase reflected higher oil prices, which exceeded a trigger point in its fuel index established in September 2002 to monitor and respond to changes in jet fuel costs.