The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has attributed the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices to a 50 percent increase in Jet A1 costs. However, it strongly pushed back against claims by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that airlines are paying as high as N3,300 per litre.
In a formal response referenced CEOO/1/160426, dated April 16, 2026, and signed by Executive Secretary/CEO of MEMAN, Clement Isong, the association linked the price surge to global instability. It stated, “The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely disrupted global supply chains and significantly affected the pricing and availability of middle distillate products such as diesel and Jet A1. Transport costs within the country have therefore gone up by an average of 50%.”
Meanwhile, MEMAN acknowledged the pressure on airlines but stressed that the market reality is driven by external shocks and domestic logistics constraints. It said, “We empathise with the very difficult situation currently faced by the Nigerian aviation sector. The sharp increase in Jet A1 prices has placed significant pressure on airline operations.” However, it maintained that the situation reflects broader supply chain disruptions.
In addition, the association explained that aviation fuel logistics remain structurally more expensive than other petroleum products. According to MEMAN, “It is also important to note that the transportation and distribution of ATK is governed by specific protocols for quality assurance and safety reasons, which are more stringent than those applicable to most other petroleum products.
“Dedicated equipment, specialised handling procedures, and rigorous quality checks at every stage of the supply chain are non-negotiable requirements. These necessary safeguards inherently make the logistics and distribution of ATK a more cost-intensive undertaking compared to other petroleum products. We want this context to be clearly understood as part of any assessment of pricing in the sector.”
MEMAN Rejects N3,300 Pricing Claim
MEMAN firmly rejected AON’s assertion that airlines are purchasing Jet A1 at N3,300 per litre. It described the figure as significantly above market realities.
The association stated, “We must express our surprise at the price of N3,300 per litre… the price of N3,300 is over N1,000 higher than our average market survey price of Jet A1.” It further urged airlines affected by such pricing to explore alternative supply channels.
It added, “We would therefore strongly encourage any operators currently being charged at those levels to exercise their commercial right to seek alternative suppliers.” Therefore, MEMAN maintained that competitive options exist within the market.
Outlook and Market Direction
MEMAN indicated that relief may be on the horizon as global prices begin to ease. It stated, “We have also received indications of falling costs, which should begin to reflect in market prices in the coming weeks.”
In addition, the association urged airlines to adopt more structured procurement strategies to reduce volatility exposure. It advised, “We strongly encourage AON members to… enter into longer-term contractual arrangements… to reduce exposure to daily market swings.”
MEMAN also confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alongside other stakeholders, to stabilise the aviation fuel market.
The letter was widely circulated to key national authorities, reinforcing the sensitivity of the dispute. Those copied include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Others include the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS). This broad distribution highlights the regulatory attention surrounding aviation fuel pricing in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, stakeholders say the involvement of top security and aviation regulators underscores the national economic implications of Jet A1 pricing stability.
