BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Major petroleum marketers under the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) have responded to concerns raised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over the rising cost of Aviation Turbine Kerosene, insisting that global supply disruptions, safety logistics and market realities are driving recent price pressures in the aviation fuel market.
In a formal letter dated April 16, 2026, MEMAN acknowledged the concerns of airline operators but stressed that the sharp increase in Jet A1 prices reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains for middle distillates globally.
The association noted that transportation costs within Nigeria have risen by an average of 50 per cent due to global freight constraints while aviation fuel logistics remain particularly complex because of stringent safety and quality assurance protocols.
According to MEMAN the distribution of Aviation Turbine Kerosene requires specialised handling equipment, dedicated transport systems and multiple layers of quality checks making it significantly more expensive than other petroleum products in the downstream sector.
The marketers expressed surprise at claims that some airlines are paying as much as N3,300 per litre for Jet A1 stating that such figures are significantly above their average market survey price.
MEMAN said its internal market surveys indicate lower average prices for Jet A1 suggesting that operators paying higher rates should explore alternative suppliers in the competitive downstream market.
The association also advised airline operators to shift from spot purchases to longer-term supply contracts arguing that such arrangements would improve price stability and reduce exposure to volatile global oil market swings.
It further disclosed that it is actively engaging with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other stakeholders to develop measures that could ease distribution costs without compromising safety standards.
MEMAN reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the Airline Operators of Nigeria government agencies and regulators emphasizing that a balanced approach is essential for sustaining the aviation sector and the broader economy.
In its correspondence MEMAN reiterated that it does not fix prices as this would violate competition laws but continues to promote transparency efficiency and cost reduction across the downstream value chain.
The letter signed by MEMAN Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Clement Isong was also copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of State Services.
Industry analysts say the exchange highlights mounting tension between fuel suppliers and airlines as Nigeria’s aviation sector grapples with rising operational costs and global energy volatility.
Weak global supply chains, high shipping costs and fluctuating crude oil prices have continued to influence aviation fuel markets worldwide with developing economies bearing a disproportionate share of the impact.
MEMAN reiterated that it will continue working with stakeholders to ensure efficiency gains in logistics and maintain product quality standards across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
It assured aviation stakeholders of continued dialogue aimed at stabilising supply and supporting critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
MEMAN emphasized that collaboration and market discipline remain key to navigating current price pressures while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Both sides are expected to continue engagements in the coming weeks as industry stakeholders seek a balanced solution to aviation fuel pricing challenges in Nigeria while maintaining safety competitiveness and economic stability across the downstream and aviation sectors in Nigeria’s energy and transport ecosystem overall.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
