The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a major pillar sustaining the country’s aviation sector, revealing that it currently provides over 95 per cent of Nigeria’s Jet A1 fuel consumption while also exporting about 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.
Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, said the refinery has become central to airline operations in Nigeria, especially amid global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising international fuel prices.
According to him, “Over 95 per cent of aviation fuel used in Nigeria today is supplied by the Dangote Refinery. For airline operators, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver.”
Okonkwo noted that despite the steady supply from the refinery, airlines are still grappling with rising operational costs due to significant increases in Jet A1 prices across the domestic market.
He alleged that some fuel marketers are creating artificial scarcity despite adequate supply, leading to inflated prices along the distribution chain.
“We consider this exploitation. There is no shortage from the refinery, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustified price hikes. What airlines are paying does not reflect depot prices,” he said, suggesting possible market manipulation in the downstream sector.
Similarly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as concerning following a closed-door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government. He questioned the sharp increase in Jet A1 prices despite direct supply from the Dangote Refinery.
“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 some marketers source directly from the refinery?” Onyema asked.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its presence in the global aviation fuel market. Industry figures show that the facility exported about 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—comprising roughly 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
The development highlights the refinery’s growing production capacity, improved logistics efficiency, and its increasing role in both domestic energy security and the international downstream oil and gas market.
