JBLU hedges about 30% of its annual fuel needs, about the industry average. However, competitor Southwest hedges up to 70% of its annual fuel needs. As a result, JetBlue paid an average $2.09 per gallon of fuel compared to Southwest's average $1.70 per gallon. Furthermore, JBLU's fuel expenses increased by 24% in 2007 because of higher fuel prices. Lastly, as of the end of 2007, JetBlue had only secured 13% of its 2008 fuel needs in hedging contracts. Therefore, the company expects that its CASM will increase 10%-12% during 2008 because of higher fuel costs.