Major oil marketers have attributed the spike in aviation fuel prices to global geopolitical tensions, particularly ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains for middle distillates such as diesel and Jet A1.

This was contained in a statement by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and signed by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong.

“The challenge is that the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely disrupted global supply chains and significantly affected the pricing and availability of middle distillate products such as diesel and Jet A1. Transport costs within the country have therefore gone up by an average of 50 per cent,” the statement partly read.

The association explained that aviation fuel distribution involves stricter safety and handling requirements compared to other petroleum products, contributing to higher operational costs.

“It is also important to note that the transportation and distribution of ATK is governed by specific protocols for quality assurance and safety reasons, which are more stringent than those applicable to most other petroleum products. Dedicated equipment, specialised handling procedures, and rigorous quality checks at every stage of the supply chain are non-negotiable requirements. These necessary safeguards inherently make the logistics and distribution of ATK a more cost-intensive undertaking compared to other petroleum products,” it said.

₦3,300 Per Litre Claim

Responding to claims that aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre, MEMAN expressed surprise.

“We would therefore strongly encourage any operators currently being charged at those levels to exercise their commercial right to seek alternative suppliers,” the association said.

It added that its market survey indicates more competitive pricing exists, and that members remain committed to fair, market-reflective rates.

Longer-Term Supply Contracts

MEMAN also urged airline operators to adopt longer-term supply contracts rather than relying on spot purchases, saying this would help stabilise pricing and cash flow in the aviation sector.

“Finally, we strongly encourage AON members to adopt a more sustainable pricing approach by moving away from spot pricing and entering into longer-term contractual arrangements with their suppliers,” the statement added.

It further disclosed that it is engaging relevant regulators, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority), on practical measures to stabilise the market.

Airline operators had warned that airlines across the country might suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what they described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.

In a letter dated April 14, 2026, to major energies marketers, the operators, under the AON, said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre — an increase of over 300 per cent within weeks.

According to the body, the spike is “artificial” and far exceeds global trends, noting that international crude oil prices have risen by only about 30 per cent within the same period.

“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated, adding that the situation has deteriorated to the point where continued operations are no longer viable.

The group warned that the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating the aviation industry” and pose broader risks to Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.

The AON revealed that the impact of the price surge is already being felt across the sector, disclosing that one airline had grounded all operations since March 13, 2026, due to the rising cost of fuel.