Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigerian domestic airlines are facing mounting financial pressure after the price of Jet-A1 aviation fuel surged by nearly 80 percent within two weeks, industry operators say.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria says aviation fuel prices have jumped from about ₦1,000 per litre to nearly ₦1,800 per litre across several parts of the country.
AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo on Friday says the sudden spike is placing airlines under severe operational stress.
“Two weeks ago, we were getting Jet-A1 at about ₦1,000 per litre, which today is about ₦1,800. That’s quite a spike,” Okonkwo says.
Fuel accounts for 30 to 35 percent of total airline operating costs, making it the largest expense in aviation operations.
Industry analysts link the latest price increase to rising global energy prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Despite the cost surge, airlines have so far avoided raising ticket prices.
“Right now, what we are doing is that we are bleeding. We are selling tickets at very non-profitable prices,” Okonkwo says.
He warns that the situation may soon become unsustainable if fuel prices continue to rise.
The AON spokesperson also urges the federal government to explore partnerships with the Dangote Refinery to stabilise aviation fuel supply domestically.
Okonkwo also dismisses allegations of airline price fixing raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, stating that ticket pricing varies based on operational costs and aircraft type.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
