The Airlines Operators of Nigeria, AON has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry, revealing that the facility currently supplies over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed across the country.
AON also disclosed that the refinery exported about 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20, underscoring its growing influence in both domestic and international markets.
Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery’s output has been instrumental in sustaining airline operations amid global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” he said.
Despite the steady supply, Okonkwo noted that airlines are grappling with severe operational pressures due to soaring Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to inefficiencies and alleged sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to him, some marketers are creating artificial scarcity despite adequate supply from the refinery, resulting in disproportionate price increases. He revealed that airline operators have experienced price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he added.
Echoing similar concerns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as troubling, particularly as the Dangote refinery continues to offer comparatively lower prices.
“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 queried.
Meanwhile, the refinery’s international footprint continues to expand. Industry data indicate that it exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review, about 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
The export performance highlights the refinery’s increasing production capacity and logistics efficiency, positioning Nigeria as an emerging player in the global downstream oil and gas market, while also strengthening domestic energy security.
