The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical support for the country’s aviation sector, stating that the facility currently supplies more than 95 percent of Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide.
AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this during a television interview, noting that the refinery’s output has helped sustain domestic airline operations amid global supply pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East. He added that airlines are facing significant operational strain as fuel costs rise.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 percent 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.
Okonkwo, however, raised concerns about market practices within the downstream distribution chain, alleging that some marketers are creating artificial scarcity despite available supply from the refinery. He said this has contributed to sharp increases in the price of Jet A1, with operators reporting hikes of up to 300 percent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
He described the situation as exploitative and suggested the presence of racketeering within the market, noting that prices paid by airlines 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 said.
Speaking on behalf of the AON after a closed-door meeting with the Federal Government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as concerning despite the refinery offering products at comparatively lower rates.
“The truth is that marketers must be called to account to explain how prices rose by as much as 300 percent, even when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some of them source directly from the refinery,” he said. “So, why the astronomical rise?”
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery has expanded its presence in the international aviation fuel market, with recent data showing exports of approximately 876,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within a short period. This includes about 456,000 tonnes shipped in March and a further 420,000 tonnes exported as of April 20.
The export volumes reflect growing refining capacity and improved logistics, reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global downstream oil market.