By Charles Ebi
Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA has stated that the country has enough aviation fuel, easing fears of a supply shortage reassuring industry players and the public that the country holds enough aviation fuel to last more than two months.
The Agency disclose this In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, and made available to AljazirahNigeria in Abuja, the agency disclosed that current data shows a total national stock covering 74 days. This includes 12 days of inland reserves and 62 days stored at refineries.
According to the regulator, this level of supply confirms that there is no immediate threat to aviation fuel availability across the country.
The authority also pushed back against widespread reports suggesting aviation fuel prices could surge to N3,300 per litre, describing such claims as misleading. It clarified that aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, operates within a fully deregulated market, meaning prices are determined by prevailing economic forces rather than government control.
The agency revealed that the current ex-gantry price at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands at N1,879 per litre—slightly below the international benchmark of about N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of April 16, 2026.
The NMDPRA insisted that contrary to the claim made by the airlines, retail prices range between N1,960 and N2,800 per litre depending on location and logistics. It stated: “Meanwhile, the nationwide retail prices surveyed by the NMDPRA as of 17th April 2026 range between N1,960 per litre to N2,800 per litre.
Therefore, the speculated N3,300 per litre price of Aviation Fuel being peddled in the media does not reflect current market reality.
Despite the regulator’s reassurance, concerns remain within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Airline operators have raised alarms over rising fuel costs, warning that sustained increases could force a shutdown of operations.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria described current pricing pressures as excessive, cautioning that the situation could lead to job losses, financial strain, and reduced passenger demand if airlines pass the costs on through higher fares.
However, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria disagreed with claims of inflated pricing, attributing the situation to global supply disruptions and logistics challenges, while encouraging airlines to consider alternative sourcing options.
In response to the growing tension, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has urged domestic carriers to shelve plans to halt operations and avoid increasing ticket prices. He also confirmed that an emergency meeting with key stakeholders has been convened to address the issue and find a lasting solution.
The intervention comes at a crucial moment for the aviation industry, as authorities work to maintain stable fuel supply, manage pricing concerns, and prevent disruptions to flight services nationwide.
Recalled that last week, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had called on domestic airline operators to suspend plans to halt flight operations and refrain from increasing airfares despite the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
In the letter, the minister acknowledged the mounting operational challenges facing airlines following the surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which rose from about ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to approximately ₦3,300 per litre an increase of over 300 per cent.
Keyamo commended domestic carriers for maintaining services under difficult conditions, describing their efforts as resilient and professional.
“I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions,” he said.
However, he urged operators to exercise caution in responding to the crisis, particularly regarding potential fare increases.
“I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time,” the minister stated, warning that higher ticket prices could further strain Nigerians and limit access to air travel.
He also appealed to the airlines to reconsider any planned suspension of operations, noting that such action would have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
“Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine ongoing reforms,” Keyamo warned.
The minister reassured operators that their concerns had received the attention of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that steps were being taken to address the situation.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” he said.
As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, Keyamo disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. The meeting is expected to bring together key industry players and regulators to develop a prompt and sustainable solution to the fuel price surge.
The appeal follows warnings by airline operators that they may suspend operations nationwide from April 20 if the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel persists, raising concerns over potential disruption to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had announced plans to impose stiffer penalties on domestic airlines over persistent flight delays and operational lapses affecting passengers. The regulator noted that airlines have received significant government support to improve performance; hence, repeated inefficiencies now require a tougher regulatory approach.
Flight delays remain a common issue in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with airlines often attributing disruptions to factors beyond their control.