Major oil marketers have attributed the recent surge in aviation fuel prices to global geopolitical tensions, particularly ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which they say have disrupted supply chains.
The position was outlined in a statement issued on Thursday by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), and signed by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong.
According to the association, the instability in the Middle East has significantly affected the availability and pricing of middle distillate products such as diesel and Jet A1 fuel.
“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 read.
MEMAN also explained that the logistics involved in distributing aviation fuel were more complex and costly than other petroleum products due to strict safety and quality requirements.
“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 added.
Reacting to claims by airline operators that Jet A1 prices had surged to N3,300 per litre from N900 within weeks, the association expressed surprise at the figure.
“We would therefore strongly encourage any operators currently being charged at those levels to exercise their commercial right to seek alternative suppliers,” MEMAN said.
The group added that its internal market survey suggested more competitive pricing options are available, insisting that its members remain committed to fair and market-driven pricing.
To address volatility in pricing, MEMAN advised airline operators to move away from spot purchasing and adopt longer-term supply agreements.
“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 noted.
The association also disclosed that it is engaging with regulators, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to explore practical measures aimed at stabilising the market.
The development comes amid growing concerns within the aviation sector, as airline operators have warned of a possible shutdown of operations from April 20, 2026, citing what they described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” increase in fuel prices.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) claimed that the cost of Jet A1 had risen by over 300 per cent within weeks, far exceeding global crude oil price trends.
The group warned that the situation is already taking a toll, revealing that at least one airline had suspended operations since March 13, 2026, due to the escalating cost of fuel.
According to the operators, the continued rise in aviation fuel prices poses serious risks not only to the industry but also to Nigeria’s broader economy, safety, and national security.
