The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Friday moved to reassure stakeholders in the aviation sector, stating that Nigeria has adequate aviation fuel stock capable of lasting more than two months, while rejecting reports of an imminent price increase to N3,300 per litre.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, the agency said current data indicates a combined national sufficiency of 74 days, made up of inland and refinery stock, which it described as evidence of stable supply conditions.
The reassurance comes amid rising concerns from airline operators and industry stakeholders over recent volatility in aviation fuel prices, which has continued to impact airfares and operational costs in the country.
The statement read in part, “The NMDPRA wishes to assure the public that there is a robust supply of Aviation Fuel in the Country with the inland stock sufficiency of 12 days, and the Refinery stock Sufficiency of 62 days. Making a total of 74 days of national sufficiency.”
On pricing, the authority explained that aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, has been fully deregulated, with its cost determined by market forces rather than government control.
“It is imperative to note that, like other petroleum products, Aviation Fuel has been fully deregulated, and the price is driven by market dynamics,” the statement added.
The agency noted that the current ex-gantry price at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands at N1,879 per litre, slightly below the international indicative supply cost of N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of April 16, 2026.
“The prevailing Ex-Gantry price of Aviation Fuel at Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Company is N1,879 per litre, which is slightly lower than the international indicative supply cost of N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of the 16th of April 2026. This indicates that domestic refining is already helping to moderate prices relative to global benchmarks,” it stated.
According to the NMDPRA’s nationwide price survey conducted on April 17, 2026, retail aviation fuel prices currently range between N1,960 and N2,800 per litre depending on location and logistics.
It stressed that claims suggesting a price of N3,300 per litre are inaccurate and do not reflect market reality.
“The NMDPRA, in line with its mandate, will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of the supply of petroleum products and profiteering across the country. While appreciating the continued efforts of all stakeholders in the Aviation Fuel supply chain in ensuring adequate supply and distribution of the product, the public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s continued commitment to guarantee energy security in the country,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, tensions in the aviation sector have continued, with airline operators warning of possible service disruptions due to rising Jet A1 costs, which they describe as unsustainable.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier described the situation as “astronomical and artificial,” warning that operating costs were becoming unmanageable.
In response, the Federal Government has appealed to airlines to suspend any planned shutdown, while the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, called for restraint and dialogue.
An emergency stakeholders’ meeting has also been convened to address the issue and seek a lasting solution.
