Continental Airlines on Wednesday raised domestic fares by USD$2 each way to offset the rising cost of jet fuel.

The airline said the increase covers flights within the United States and to and from Canada, and comes on top of a USD$2 increase on May 3.

"We took this action in order to try to make our income better cover our expenses so we can return to profitability," said Continental spokesman Dave Messing.

The airline industry has been hit by soaring fuel prices and low-fare competition that makes it hard for carriers to raise ticket prices sufficiently to cover costs. In the last year, however, airlines have initiated several lasting fare increases.

American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways all said they have not matched Continental's fare increase.