An oil sector advocacy group has praised the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for what it described as timely intervention that helped stabilise the aviation fuel market and ease growing concerns within the aviation sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Centre for Energy Market Integrity and Sustainability (CEMIS) said the regulator’s recent clarification on Jet A1 availability and pricing played a key role in calming tensions among airlines, fuel suppliers, and other industry stakeholders.
The statement, signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Tunde Adeyemi, noted that the assurance of over 70 days’ sufficiency in aviation fuel supply helped to counter speculation about scarcity and potential price spikes that had raised fears of disruptions in flight operations.
According to Adeyemi, the situation had created uncertainty in the market, with concerns that rising costs could translate into higher airfares and operational strain for airlines.
“The intervention by the Authority came at a very critical moment. There was growing anxiety in the sector, and the regulator’s decision to provide clear, data-backed information helped restore confidence and reduce speculation,” he said.
He added that aviation fuel remains a major cost component for airlines operating in Nigeria, making stability in both supply and pricing essential to the sector’s sustainability.
Adeyemi also stressed that stakeholders must understand the nature of the Jet A1 market, which operates under a deregulated framework influenced by global crude prices, foreign exchange movements, and logistics costs.
“What the regulator has done is not to fix prices, but to provide transparency. That clarity is important for planning and decision-making across the value chain,” he explained.
CEMIS further noted that developments in domestic refining are beginning to show positive effects on market stability, with locally refined aviation fuel reportedly trading closer to international benchmarks in some instances.
The group said this trend points to the growing role of local production in reducing Nigeria’s vulnerability to global supply shocks.
It also commended the NMDPRA for maintaining close monitoring of supply and pricing dynamics across the country, describing such oversight as necessary to prevent exploitation and ensure fair market practices.
At the same time, the centre urged industry players to avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger panic or distort market realities, warning that misinformation could undermine recent gains in the sector.
“Constructive engagement is important. Stability in this market depends on accurate information and responsible communication from all stakeholders,” Adeyemi said.
He also praised the leadership of the Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, for what he called a calm and structured approach to regulation during a sensitive period for the aviation industry.
CEMIS called on the federal government to continue strengthening regulatory institutions in the energy sector, saying consistent oversight and clear policy direction remain key to sustaining investor confidence and economic stability.
