The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), has said the recent surge in price of aviation fuel also known as Jet A1, is primarily driven by global geopolitical tensions and high local logistics costs, not solely by market manipulation.
MEMAN has also strongly disputed the specific price figures cited by airlines, advising carriers to seek cheaper suppliers.
MEMAN Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong, stated this in a letter released on Thursday in Lagos, while responding to concerns raised by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), over high cost of aviation fuel currently.
It would be recalled that in a letter dated April 14, 2026, and signed by AON President, Dr Abdulmunaf Sarina, the domestic airline operators threatened to suspend flight operations from Monday, April 20, if nothing is done to address the soaring price of aviation fuel in the country.
AON said aviation fuel has jumped from about ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,300 per litre, more than 300 per cent increase, since late February 2026.
The group said local airlines can no longer bear the cost of fuel with current revenues.
The group said the price of jet fuel in Nigeria is far above international benchmark, asserting that global crude oil prices have only risen by about 30 per cent since the Middle East war involving the United States, Israel and Iran started.
Responding, MEMAN CEO noted that the surge in prices of aviation fuel had placed heavy pressure on airlines, threatening the sustainability of the aviation sector and wider economy.
Isong explained that the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely disrupted global supply chains for “middle distillates” like Jet A1, reducing availability and driving up international prices.
He also cited logistics costs as part of the reason for the high cost of aviation fuel in the country.
According to him, domestic transport costs have risen by an average of 50 per cent, and moving Jet A1 is more expensive than other fuels because it requires specialised equipment and rigorous safety protocols to prevent contamination.
“It is important to note that transporting Aviation Turbine Kerosene is governed by strict safety and quality protocols.
“These requirements are more stringent than for most petroleum products and involve specialised handling, dedicated equipment, and rigorous quality checks.
“These safeguards make ATK logistics and distribution more costly than other petroleum products. We want this context clearly understood when assessing pricing within the sector,” Kong stated.
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MEMAN CEO countered the claim that aviation fuel is now sold at ₦3,300 per litre, describing it as “surprising.” He stated that their survey shows this figure is over ₦1,000 higher than the actual average market rate.
“In light of this, we are surprised at the N3,300 per litre quoted to some operators. MEMAN members do not fix prices due to competition law, but this figure is over N1,000 above our surveyed market average,” he said.
He advised airlines to exercise their commercial rights to seek alternative suppliers and also have a deal for long-term supply contract for lower prices, rather than relying on spot market purchases.
He also hinted that costs are expected to start falling in the coming weeks as market conditions adjust.
He said MEMAN had submitted a proposal to the downstream regulatory authorities on modalities to ease price pressure on the aviation sector.
He added that MEMAN remains committed to working with all parties to ensure stability in the downstream sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X