NMDPRA Denies N3,300 Aviation Fuel Price Hike, Assures 74-Day Supply Stability
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has firmly countered claims of an impending spike in aviation fuel prices to N3,300 per litre, while simultaneously reassuring the public and industry stakeholders of a robust national supply lasting over two months. In an official statement released on Friday, April 17, 2026, by Director of Public Affairs George Ene-Ita, the regulatory body disclosed that current data indicates a total national stock covering 74 days, comprising 12 days of inland reserves and 62 days stored at refineries.
Regulator Dismisses Price Surge Speculation
According to the NMDPRA, the widespread reports suggesting aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, could surge to N3,300 per litre are misleading and do not reflect the current market reality. The authority emphasized that the aviation fuel market is fully deregulated, meaning prices are determined by prevailing economic forces rather than government control. It clarified that the current ex-gantry price at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands at N1,879 per litre, slightly below the international benchmark of approximately N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of April 16, 2026.
The NMDPRA stated: “Meanwhile, the nationwide retail prices surveyed by the NMDPRA as of 17th April 2026 range between N1,960 per litre to N2,800 per litre. Therefore, the speculated N3,300 per litre price of Aviation Fuel being peddled in the media does not reflect current market reality.” This level of supply, the regulator noted, confirms there is no immediate threat to aviation fuel availability across Nigeria, effectively easing fears of a potential shortage.
Airlines Express Concerns Despite Reassurances
Despite the NMDPRA's reassurances, tensions persist within Nigeria's aviation sector. Airline operators have raised alarms over rising fuel costs, warning that sustained increases could force a shutdown of operations and disrupt flight services nationwide. The Airline Operators of Nigeria described current pricing pressures as excessive, cautioning that the situation could lead to job losses, financial strain, and reduced passenger demand if airlines pass the costs on through higher fares.
In contrast, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria disagreed with claims of inflated pricing, attributing the situation to global supply disruptions and logistics challenges. They encouraged airlines to consider alternative sourcing options to mitigate costs. In response to the growing tension, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has urged domestic carriers to shelve plans to halt operations and avoid increasing ticket prices. He confirmed that an emergency meeting with key stakeholders has been convened to address the issue and find a lasting solution.
Broader Industry Context and Regulatory Measures
The intervention comes at a crucial moment for Nigeria's aviation industry, as authorities work to maintain stable fuel supply, manage pricing concerns, and prevent disruptions to flight services. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to impose stiffer penalties on domestic airlines over persistent flight delays and operational lapses affecting passengers. The regulator noted that airlines have received significant government support to improve performance, and repeated inefficiencies now require a tougher regulatory approach.
Flight delays remain a common issue in Nigeria's aviation sector, with airlines often attributing disruptions to factors beyond their control. This development underscores the broader challenges facing the industry, including the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and sustainable fuel pricing mechanisms. The NMDPRA's stance aims to provide clarity and stability, but ongoing dialogue between regulators, marketers, and airlines will be essential to ensure long-term operational resilience and passenger confidence.
