Nigerian Airlines Accuse Marketers of Manipulating Jet Fuel Prices, Threaten Strike
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella body for indigenous carriers, has leveled serious accusations against major oil marketers, alleging they are manipulating the price of Jet A1 fuel supply across the country. In a strongly worded letter, the airlines have called for appropriate local pricing of the product and issued a stark ultimatum: if the current situation is not resolved, they will down tools by Monday, April 20, 2026.
Details of the Allegations and Ultimatum
The letter, dated April 14 and signed by AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, was obtained by The Guardian and copied to high-ranking officials including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Director-General of Civil Aviation Chris Najomo, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi. Addressed to Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the letter is titled 'Re: Urgent Call for Proportionate Review of Jet A1 Price.'
In it, the AON highlights that the price of Jet A1 has surged by over 300%, skyrocketing from N900 to N3,300 per litre between February 28 and April. The operators describe this increase as artificial, arguing it does not align with global crude oil price trends. They insist the current rate exceeds the international market rate by more than 30%, noting that while a barrel of crude oil sold for less than $70 in early February, it now trades at about $100 per barrel internationally.
Impact on Aviation Operations and National Security
The letter elaborates on the severe consequences of this price hike, stating that for the past four weeks, airlines have struggled to continue operations out of patriotism and service to the nation. However, the burden has become unbearable and unsustainable. "Today, all the revenue made by airlines do not cover the cost of fuel, which is a single cost component among myriad of other costs airlines have to deal with daily; and the situation is getting worse," the AON warned.
It further asserts that the actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry, putting the country's economy, safety, and security at risk as airlines are gradually forced to suspend operations. The airlines lament that the arbitrary increase has already compelled one operator to ground its entire operations since March 13, 2026, and warn that this could become an inevitable outcome for others if the situation persists.
Final Plea and Strategic Importance
Emphasizing the strategic importance of aviation to Nigeria, the AON stressed that the arbitrary rise in jet fuel price is unhealthy and detrimental to the nation's wellbeing. "The airlines are now facing existential threats with the grave attendant consequences to the overall wellbeing of the nation. This is our final plea," the letter concluded, underscoring the urgency of the matter and the potential for widespread disruption if their demands are not met.
