By Editor
The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry, revealing that the facility now supplies over 95 per cent of Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide.
AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this during a television interview, noting that the refinery’s steady output has helped sustain airline operations amid global supply disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East. He, however, stressed that rising fuel prices continue to exert pressure on operators.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied nationwide comes from Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and a lifesaver,” he said.
Despite this supply stability, Okonkwo raised concerns over distortions in the downstream distribution chain, alleging that some marketers are creating artificial scarcity even when supply from the refinery remains sufficient. According to him, the situation has driven sharp increases in Jet A1 prices, with some airlines reporting hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
He described the trend as exploitative, pointing to possible racketeering within the market, and noted that prices paid by airlines often do not align with depot rates.
“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are seeing artificial scarcity and significant price hikes,” he added.
Also speaking after a closed-door meeting with the Federal Government, Allen Onyema, chairman and chief executive officer of Air Peace, said the pricing trend remains troubling despite the refinery offering comparatively lower rates.
“The truth is that marketers must be called to account to explain how prices rose by as much as 300 per cent, even when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some of them source directly from the refinery. So, why the astronomical rise?” Onyema queried.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery is expanding its footprint in the international aviation fuel market. Recent data show exports of about 876,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within a short period, including 456,000 tonnes shipped in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes exported as of April 20.
The export surge underscores rising refining capacity and improved logistics, positioning Nigeria more firmly within the global downstream oil market.
