The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the retail price of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) in Nigeria is being capped between ₦1,960 and ₦2,800 per litre. The range reflects the prices recorded in a market survey conducted on 17 April 2026. The authority dismissed reports of a ₦3,300 per litre price as inaccurate and not representative of current market conditions.
The price ceiling follows a sharp increase in fuel costs that has raised airline operating expenses across the country. Operators of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have already curtailed flight schedules and issued a seven‑day ultimatum, warning that they may suspend services if the fuel price surge is not addressed. AON vice‑president Allen Onyema linked the rise partly to the ongoing US‑Iran conflict, stating that domestic price hikes appear disproportionate to the moderate increases observed internationally.
Data from the sector shows the cost of fuelling a typical aircraft has exploded. A Bombardier CRJ 900 or Airbus A220, which cost about ₦2.1 million per flight in January, required roughly ₦7.6 million by 26 April – a 350 percent jump. The steep rise has prompted airlines such as Ibom Air to consider reducing flight frequencies. Group Manager for Marketing and Communications Aniekan Essienette described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis” that makes continued operations financially untenable.
In response, NMDPRA said it has taken steps to ease supply constraints and lower costs. Marketers have been instructed to sell aviation fuel directly to airlines, eliminating intermediaries and improving supply‑chain transparency. The regulator also pledged ongoing monitoring of the market to prevent disruptions and curb profiteering.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo earlier intervened in the dispute, urging a rapid resolution. Despite the ministry’s involvement, airline operators have maintained their stance, insisting that decisive action is required within 48 hours to avert a complete suspension of flights.
The authority’s chief executive officer, Saidu Mohammed, reiterated NMDPRA’s commitment to energy security and to ensuring an adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide. While the Dangote Refinery now supplies over 95 percent of Nigeria’s Jet A1 fuel, domestic prices remain well above global benchmarks, prompting continued concern among carriers.
The developments highlight a critical juncture for Nigeria’s aviation sector, where regulatory measures, fuel pricing, and airline sustainability intersect. Stakeholders await further regulatory actions that could stabilize the market and prevent prolonged service interruptions.
