The Federal Government has projected that aviation fuel (ATK) prices will likely fluctuate between N1,760 and N2,037 per litre. This development follows high-level engagements convened by the Minister of Aviation and Airspace Management on April 22 and 23, 2026, which were specifically aimed at addressing the persistent supply chain and pricing challenges currently affecting the aviation sector.

The technical committee, established following these consultations, provided a breakdown based on Platts average rates recorded between April 17 and April 23, 2026. In Lagos, the indicative end-user price is expected to range from N1,760 to N1,988 per litre, while Abuja is projected to see prices between N1,809 and N2,037 per litre. These figures currently serve as the primary benchmark for the industry.

To improve market efficiency, the committee has recommended that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) mandate marketers to sell fuel directly to airline operators during this period. Additionally, the committee urged closer collaboration between the NMDPRA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to streamline airside operations, specifically by validating distributors with adequate infrastructure and reducing the number of operators based on agreed criteria.

A significant portion of the committee’s recommendations focuses on alleviating the financial burden on domestic airlines. To address the sector’s mounting debt crisis, the Ministry of Aviation has been urged to facilitate a consultative meeting between oil marketers and airline operators to resolve outstanding obligations. Furthermore, the committee proposed that marketers introduce a 30-day credit window to provide airlines with much-needed financial breathing room amidst these high operational costs.

Looking toward sustainable, long-term stabilization, the committee proposed that aviation fuel be included under the Federal Government’s “naira-for-crude” initiative. This inclusion is viewed as a strategic step to secure fuel supply and reduce the sector’s heavy reliance on foreign exchange, which has historically exacerbated pricing volatility and frequent supply disruptions.

Despite these projections, stakeholders remain cautious regarding the impact of external factors on the market. The committee noted that prices may fluctuate outside the stated ranges due to global market volatility, including geopolitical tensions and varying operational costs among suppliers. The primary goal of these measures remains to balance the needs of marketers and airlines while ensuring the aviation sector remains operational and reliable for the traveling public.