By Seun Ibiyemi
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has attributed the spike in aviation fuel prices to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, warning that the development is straining airlines and threatening the stability of the aviation sector.
In a letter issued in Lagos and signed by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong, MEMAN responded to concerns raised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over Jet A1 prices reportedly hitting N3,300 per litre.
The association said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global supply chains, particularly affecting the availability and pricing of middle distillates such as aviation fuel and diesel.
Isong noted that the surge in Jet A1 prices has placed heavy financial pressure on airline operators, raising concerns about the sustainability of their operations and the wider economy.
He explained that aviation turbine kerosene requires specialised handling, strict safety protocols, and dedicated logistics infrastructure, making its distribution more expensive than most petroleum products.
“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,” he said.
Despite the global pressures, MEMAN expressed concern over the N3,300 per litre price quoted to some operators, noting that it is more than N1,000 above its surveyed market average.
While clarifying that its members do not fix prices due to competition laws, the association urged airlines to explore alternative suppliers offering more competitive rates.
“Our survey confirms better-priced options exist, and members remain committed to fair, market-reflective pricing. We have also seen indications of falling costs, which should soon reflect in market prices,” Isong added.
He further advised operators to adopt longer-term supply agreements rather than relying on spot purchases, saying this would help stabilise costs and improve financial planning.
Isong also disclosed that MEMAN is engaging regulators, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to find solutions that will ease pressure on the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, had earlier warned that domestic airlines may suspend operations from Monday if the rising cost of aviation fuel persists, describing the situation as unsustainable.
