MEMAN Fires Back at N3,300 Aviation Fuel Price Claim, Links Cost Pressure to Global Supply and FX Volatility

The controversy surrounding the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria has intensified, with the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) firmly rejecting claims that Jet A1 is currently selling for as high as N3,300 per litre, while attributing ongoing price pressures to global supply disruptions, foreign exchange volatility, and rising logistics costs.
The clarification comes at a critical moment for the aviation industry, following a fresh warning from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which has raised the alarm that domestic flight operations may be suspended nationwide from April 20, 2026, if the escalating cost of aviation fuel is not urgently addressed.
The disagreement highlights deepening tensions between fuel suppliers and airline operators over pricing transparency, supply stability, and the broader sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, which continues to grapple with rising operational costs.
AON Raises Alarm Over Rising Fuel Costs
In a strongly worded letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Abdulmunaf Sarina, expressed serious concern over what operators described as an unbearable surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
According to the airline operators, the rising cost of aviation fuel has become one of the most severe threats to the survival of domestic carriers, compounding existing challenges such as foreign exchange scarcity, aircraft maintenance expenses, high insurance costs, and inflationary pressures across the economy.
AON warned that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, airlines may be forced to ground operations nationwide, potentially disrupting air travel, logistics chains, and business mobility across Nigeria.
Industry stakeholders have also expressed concern that any suspension of domestic flights would have wide-ranging implications for commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity, particularly in a country where air travel remains a critical component of inter-state transportation.
MEMAN Rejects Pricing Claims
Responding to the allegations in a letter dated April 16, 2026, MEMAN acknowledged the operational difficulties faced by airlines but categorically disputed claims that aviation fuel is being sold at N3,300 per litre in the Nigerian market.
The association described the figure as significantly above prevailing market realities and urged stakeholders to rely on verified pricing data within the regulated downstream supply chain.
MEMAN explained that Jet A1 pricing is influenced by a complex mix of international crude oil benchmarks, refined product import costs, exchange rate fluctuations, shipping expenses, and domestic distribution logistics. These factors, it said, have collectively contributed to recent upward pressure on aviation fuel prices.
The association further stressed that Nigeria’s reliance on imported aviation fuel exposes the domestic market to global supply shocks and pricing volatility, particularly in periods of geopolitical uncertainty and constrained refining capacity.
Call for Alternative Supply Channels
While expressing sympathy for the challenges confronting airlines, MEMAN urged operators to engage more broadly with credible suppliers and explore alternative sourcing options within the deregulated market environment.
According to the association, increased transparency in procurement practices and wider supplier engagement could help reduce misinformation around pricing and improve market efficiency.
MEMAN also reaffirmed its commitment to working with aviation stakeholders to ensure steady product availability, while operating within global market realities that continue to shape petroleum product pricing worldwide.
The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, who signed the response letter, emphasized the association’s readiness for continued dialogue with industry stakeholders in order to stabilize supply expectations and improve understanding of pricing dynamics.
Rising Industry Tensions
The dispute underscores the mounting strain within Nigeria’s aviation value chain, where airlines are increasingly caught between volatile fuel costs and declining profitability. Aviation fuel, which accounts for a significant portion of airline operating expenses, remains a key driver of ticket pricing and route sustainability.
Analysts note that the ongoing disagreement also reflects broader structural issues in Nigeria’s energy sector, including dependence on imported refined products, limited domestic refining capacity, and exposure to global oil market fluctuations.
As the April 20 deadline issued by airline operators approaches, industry stakeholders are watching closely to see whether emergency negotiations or policy interventions will avert a potential disruption to domestic air travel.
For now, the standoff between MEMAN and AON highlights the fragile balance between market-driven fuel pricing and the operational viability of Nigeria’s airline industry.
MEMAN has rejected claims that aviation fuel is selling for N3,300 per litre, attributing price pressures to global supply disruptions and logistics costs, as airline operators warn of a possible nationwide shutdown of domestic flights from April 20 over rising Jet A1 prices.
MEMAN disputes claims of N3,300 per litre aviation fuel price, citing global supply and logistics pressures, as airline operators warn of a possible nationwide flight shutdown over rising Jet A1 costs.