The airlines operators of Nigeria – ( AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as critical pillar of support for Nigeria’s aviation industry, disclosing that the refinery currently supplies over 95% of the Jet A1 fuel consuming nationwide, while also exporting 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.
Speaking through a televised interview, AON Spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery output has played a vital role in sustaining domestic airline operations at a time of global supply distruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East and arising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that 95% of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from Dangote refiney. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery, it is a game changer, and indeed a lifesaver,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines continue to face a severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to Okonkwo, some marketers are allegedly creating artificial scarcity inspite available supply from the refinery, leading to disproportionate price increases. He disclosed that airline operators have recorded Jet A1 price hike of up to 300 per cent since onset of the Middle East crisis.
“We consider this exploitation. The refinery not indicate any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and justifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he said.
Suggesting the presence of racketeering within the market.
Echoing this concerns, after a Closed – door meeting between AON and the Federal Government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly given that the Dangote refinery sells its products at a comparatively lower rates.
“The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent, when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and marketers sourced directly from the refinery?, Onyema asked. ” So why this astronomical increase.
Meanwhile the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its footprint in the international aviation fuel market. Industry data indicate that the facility exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of Jet A1 fuel to Europe within the period under review – about 450,000 tonnes in March and additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
The export volume underscore the refinery growing capacity and improved logistics, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas markets, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.
