The Airline Operators of Nigeria has decried the sharp rise in the price of Jet-A1, also known as aviation fuel, warning that domestic airlines are facing severe financial strain.

The group said the price of aviation fuel, which sold for about N1,000 per litre two weeks ago, has climbed to about N1,800 per litre in many parts of Nigeria, representing roughly an 80 per cent increase within a short period.

Aviation fuel remains the largest cost component in airline operations, accounting for about 30 to 35 per cent of total operating expenses. The recent surge has been linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed up global fuel prices.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, the spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Obiora Okonkwo, said the spike had placed airlines under significant financial pressure, noting that most carriers had refrained from immediately transferring the additional cost to passengers.

He said, “Two weeks ago, we were getting Jet-A1 at about N1,000 a litre, which today is about N1,800, and even more in some stations. We have experienced an increase of about 80 per cent. That’s quite a spike.

“We are watching the situation in the Gulf area. Right now, what we are doing is that we are bleeding. We are taking the blow. We are selling tickets at a very non-profitable price. We are losing a lot of money.”

Okonkwo warned that if the situation persists and there is no intervention, domestic airlines may soon be forced to review ticket prices.

“We just pray it will not be for long. Obviously, adjustments will be expected anytime soon. But again, we are very sensitive to the economic situation of Nigerians and our travellers,” he added.

He also expressed hope that increased domestic refining capacity could help stabilise aviation fuel prices.

“The recent release of reserve crude oil will have an impact on the market. But if it does not, we expect the government to engage the Dangote Refinery. We were more hopeless in a situation where there was no refinery in Nigeria. That was the last two years. Now we are hopeful that a solution can be found,” he said.

Okonkwo warned that prolonged high fuel prices could threaten the survival of some operators.

“I am hoping that it will not last beyond this, but if it does, many airlines may not be able to absorb the losses associated with the development,” he said.

Reacting to the decision by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to sanction about five airlines over alleged price fixing, Okonkwo dismissed the claims, insisting that the aviation sector operates under a deregulated pricing regime.

“There is no meeting of airlines where they agree to fix prices. Fixing prices would amount to a cartel. Different aircraft attract different operational costs, and each airline determines its fares based on its own operational structure,” he said.

He added that airlines must demonstrate financial viability to retain their operating licences and urged regulators to consider the fragile nature of the aviation sector.

“I pray that they understand that this sector is very vulnerable and will not take steps that could diminish the industry’s reputation or put operators on a collision course with loyal passengers,” he said.