…Say Timely Disclosure on Jet A1 Pricing and Supply Has Helped Avert Operational Disruption by Airlines
An oil sector advocacy group has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for stabilising the aviation fuel market, saying the regulator’s recent intervention helped to ease tensions across the aviation sector and avert a potential disruption to air travel operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Centre for Energy Market Integrity and Sustainability (CEMIS) said the NMDPRA’s clarification on fuel availability and pricing came at a critical moment when uncertainty over Jet A1 costs had heightened anxiety among airline operators and industry stakeholders.
The statement, signed by the centre’s executive director, Dr. Tunde Adeyemi, noted that confirmation of over 70 days of aviation fuel sufficiency reflects a strong supply position and underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum framework.
Adeyemi said the regulator’s data-backed disclosure helped to counter widespread speculation, including claims of a possible surge in aviation fuel prices to unsustainable levels, which had triggered concerns about flight disruptions and fare increases.
“The timely intervention by the Authority provided much-needed clarity and helped to calm frayed nerves within the aviation ecosystem. At a time when misinformation could easily have escalated into a crisis, the regulator chose transparency and facts, which is commendable,” Adeyemi said.
He added that aviation fuel remains one of the most significant cost drivers for airlines in Nigeria, making stability in supply and pricing critical to the sustainability of the sector.
According to him, the NMDPRA’s emphasis on the deregulated nature of the Jet A1 market is also important in shaping realistic expectations among stakeholders, noting that pricing is influenced by global oil trends, foreign exchange fluctuations, and logistics costs.
“It is essential for industry players to understand that aviation fuel pricing is not arbitrary but driven by market dynamics. What the regulator has done is to provide a clear picture of the situation, which helps to guide informed decision-making,” he observed.
The group also pointed to the role of domestic refining in moderating fuel prices, describing it as a positive development that could reduce Nigeria’s exposure to external shocks.
CEMIS said indications that locally refined aviation fuel is being sold at rates slightly below international benchmarks highlight the growing impact of domestic capacity on price stability.
The centre further commended the NMDPRA’s commitment to monitoring supply and pricing trends nationwide, noting that proactive oversight is key to preventing profiteering and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to undue costs.
It urged stakeholders across the aviation fuel value chain to engage constructively and avoid amplifying unverified claims that could distort market realities or undermine confidence in the sector.
“Responsible engagement is critical at this time. All parties must work together to sustain stability and ensure that the gains recorded are not reversed by panic or misinformation.”
Adeyemi also praised the leadership of Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, the Authority Chief Executive (ACE), for what he described as a steady and reassuring approach to regulation.
“Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed has demonstrated that calm, informed leadership can make a significant difference in moments of uncertainty. His approach to addressing the aviation fuel concerns reflects a commitment to transparency, coordination, and market stability, which has helped to reinforce confidence in the regulatory system,” he said.
CEMIS called on the federal government to continue supporting regulatory institutions in the energy sector, stressing that strong oversight and consistent policies are essential to sustaining progress.
The group maintained that the recent intervention by the NMDPRA highlights the critical role of effective regulation in safeguarding both economic activity and public confidence, particularly in sectors as interconnected as energy and aviation.