Nigerian Airlines Threaten Shutdown over Soaring Fuel Costs

Airlines in Nigeria have warned they will suspend all flights starting April 20 unless jet fuel prices are reduced, raising fears of major disruption to air travel in Africa’s largest economy.

The Airlines Operators of Nigeria, which represents around 12 domestic carriers, accused fuel suppliers of artificially inflating prices. In a letter sent on April 14 to the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, the group said jet fuel costs have surged by about 270 percent since late February.

The spike in fuel prices comes amid global energy market volatility linked to tensions involving Iran, which have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil supplies.

However, Nigerian airlines argue that domestic fuel prices have risen far beyond global crude oil trends. The association described the increase as excessive and artificial, warning that current airline revenues are no longer sufficient to cover fuel costs alone.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows that the aviation sector consumed about 2.1 million liters of jet fuel per day last month.

Industry analysts say a nationwide suspension of flights could severely impact business activity, tourism, and regional connectivity, while increasing pressure on authorities to intervene in fuel pricing and stabilize the aviation sector.