The Nigerian government has moved to clarify the current pricing of aviation fuel, known locally as JetA1, amid rising concerns from airline operators about operational costs and potential service disruptions.
According to a statement issued by George Ita-Enang, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the price of JetA1 ranges between N1,960 and N2,800 per litre, not exceeding N3,000 as some reports had suggested. This clarification follows threats by domestic airlines to increase airfares and suspend operations due to escalating fuel costs.
The regulator reassured the public that the country maintains a robust supply of aviation fuel, with inland stock sufficiency of 12 days and refinery stock sufficiency of 62 days, bringing the national total to 74 days. “Like other petroleum products, aviation fuel has been fully deregulated, and the price is driven by market dynamics,” the statement noted.
The prevailing ex-Gantry price at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Company (DPRP) is N1,879 per litre, slightly below the international indicative supply cost of N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of April 16, 2026. NMDPRA said the speculated price of N3,309 per litre circulating in the media does not reflect current market reality.
The authority pledged to continue monitoring supply and distribution, taking regulatory measures where necessary to prevent disruption and profiteering. It also commended stakeholders in the aviation fuel supply chain for their efforts in maintaining adequate distribution.
Separately, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, urged airline operators to suspend plans to hike fares or shut down services, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring energy security and stable operations in the sector.
