By Micah Jonah
March 11, 2026
Air travellers in Nigeria may soon face higher ticket prices as aviation fuel costs surge sharply across major airports in the country.
Industry operators say the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel has risen from between ₦940 and ₦980 per litre to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,600 per litre within less than two weeks, representing an increase of about 63 percent.
The sharp rise in fuel prices has triggered concerns among airlines, with industry stakeholders warning that domestic airfares could increase by about 25 percent or more in the coming days.
Aviation fuel remains the single largest operational cost for airlines, accounting for about 30 to 35 percent of total expenses. However, with the current surge in prices, analysts say fuel costs may now account for between 40 and 45 percent of airline operational spending.
Sources within the aviation sector said fuel prices currently vary across airports. Reports indicate that Jet A1 sells for around ₦1,500 per litre at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and about ₦1,600 per litre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Prices are reported to be even higher in other airports, including the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The development follows recent adjustments in petroleum product prices after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit to ₦1,175 per litre, marking another increase within a short period.
Industry operators say the instability in aviation fuel prices has forced airlines to monitor market developments closely, with many indicating that ticket price adjustments may soon become unavoidable.
Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, confirmed that rising operational costs are likely to push ticket prices higher.
He explained that airlines are purchasing fuel at significantly higher rates due to the increase in crude oil prices and other market factors, making fare adjustments necessary.
Similarly, spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Uloka, said airlines across the sector are reviewing the situation and may respond based on prevailing market conditions.
Industry analyst Samuel Caulcrick noted that the sharp rise in Jet A1 prices will inevitably affect airline ticket prices, as fuel has now become the most expensive component of airline operations.
According to him, if the current trend continues, passengers may begin to see airfare increases of between 20 and 25 percent across domestic routes in the coming weeks.
