CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) _ The cost of jet fuel may be soaring, but so are West Virginia's state-run airplanes.



The aviation division reports state aircraft burned up about 58,000 gallons of fuel for business flights during the 12-month period that ended June 30. The average price of fuel was $4.46 per gallon, Department of Administration spokeswoman Diane Holley said Wednesday.



While the state negotiates deals with a fuel supplier at Yeager Airport in Charleston, Holley said aircraft must refuel at other airports, where the cost is higher. So far, the state has paid as much as $8.56 a gallon and never less than $3.50.



All flights are limited to high-priority business and those approved by Cabinet secretaries, she said.



West Virginia is among 48 states that have aviation divisions to transport state officials. It maintains a Beechcraft King Air 350 and Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, plus three helicopters.