Air travel costs in Nigeria may soon increase as the price of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, has surged by more than 53 percent, following rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Industry stakeholders warn that the spike in fuel prices could force airlines to raise ticket fares on domestic routes if the trend continues.

Jet fuel price rises sharply

According to industry data, the price of Jet A1 has increased from about ₦940–₦980 per litre to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,600 per litre, representing a sharp increase driven by global crude oil prices crossing the $100 per barrel mark.

The surge is linked to the ongoing tensions involving the , , and , which have disrupted global oil markets.

Airlines may increase ticket prices

Industry sources say the rising cost of aviation fuel could push the average one-way domestic airfare from about ₦150,000 to between ₦185,000 and ₦200,000.

Experts note that aviation fuel is the largest cost component for airlines, accounting for 30–35 percent of operational expenses under normal conditions.

However, with the latest surge, fuel costs could now account for up to 45 percent of airlines’ operational expenditure.

Fuel prices vary across airports

The cost of Jet A1 also varies depending on the airport and supplier.

Current estimates show aviation fuel selling at:

• Around ₦1,500 per litre at , Lagos
• About ₦1,600 per litre at , Abuja
• Above ₦1,700 per litre at airports such as , Calabar, , and

Other airports receiving Jet A1 supply include , Enugu, , Owerri, and .

Major marketers supplying aviation fuel include , , , , , and .

Experts warn of rising airline costs

Aviation expert said the rising cost of Jet A1 would inevitably translate into higher ticket prices.

He explained that aviation fuel remains the single largest operational expense for airlines.

Another aviation analyst, , also warned that persistent increases in fuel prices could disrupt airline operations globally.

According to him, a aircraft requires between 3,500 and 4,000 litres of fuel for a Lagos–Abuja flight, meaning airlines now spend about ₦6 million or more on fuel for a journey lasting less than one hour.

Impact on Nigerian travellers

With airlines already struggling with high operational costs, experts warn that the latest surge in fuel prices could significantly affect travellers if ticket prices are adjusted upward.

Industry analysts say airlines may have little choice but to pass the rising costs to passengers if global oil prices remain elevated.