Airline operators in Nigeria have warned of severe financial strain as the price of Jet-A1 (aviation fuel) has skyrocketed from about ₦1,000 per litre two weeks ago to nearly ₦1,800 per litre in many locations—an increase of roughly 80% in a short period.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) attributed the surge to volatility in global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on Television on Friday, March 13, 2026, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo described the situation as critical, saying airlines are currently “bleeding” by absorbing the cost rather than immediately passing it on to passengers.
“Two weeks ago, we were getting Jet-A1 at about N1,000 a litre, which today is about N1,800, and even more in some stations. We have experienced an increase of about 80 per cent. That’s quite a spike,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that aviation fuel remains the largest single cost component in airline operations, accounting for 30–35% of total expenses, making the rapid rise unsustainable for many carriers.
Okonkwo warned that prolonged high prices could force airlines to review ticket fares soon, though operators are currently trying to shield passengers amid Nigeria’s tough economic conditions.
“We are very sensitive to the economic situation of Nigerians and our travellers,” he added.
He expressed hope that improved domestic refining capacity, particularly from the Dangote Refinery, could help stabilise supply and prices in the long term.
“The recent release of reserve crude oil will have an impact on the market. But if it does not, we expect the government to engage the Dangote Refinery. We were more hopeless in a situation where there was no refinery in Nigeria… Now we are hopeful that a solution can be found,” Okonkwo said.
He cautioned that if the situation persists, many local airlines may struggle to survive the mounting losses.
Addressing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) recent sanction of five airlines over alleged price fixing, Okonkwo dismissed the claims, insisting that ticket pricing remains fully deregulated.
“There is no meeting of airlines where they agree to fix prices. Fixing prices would amount to a cartel. Different aircraft attract different operational costs, and each airline determines its fares based on its own operational structure,” he explained.
He urged regulators to consider the fragile state of the aviation sector and avoid actions that could further harm operators or alienate passengers.
The sharp increase in Jet-A1 prices has compounded existing challenges for Nigeria’s aviation industry, including high operating costs, forex scarcity, and reduced passenger traffic.
