Nigerian airlines plan shutdown over soaring fuel costs

Nigerian airline operators have warned they may suspend domestic flights from April 20, citing a sharp and unsustainable rise in jet fuel prices.

Multiple Nigerian outlets reported the warning after the Airline Operators of Nigeria said the cost of Jet A1 had climbed from about N900 per litre on February 28 to about N3,300 per litre. The group said that level of pricing could force carriers out of operation.

Reporters said the warning was contained in an April 14 letter reportedly sent to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria. The message was copied to top government officials, according to the reports.

The development creates an immediate risk of disruption for domestic travelers if operators follow through on the threat. The reports did not include a confirmed government response or any fuel-price relief deal.

The shutdown warning was reported on April 15 and April 16 by several Nigerian outlets, including Channels Television, AIT and Vanguard. The key question now is whether airlines actually begin suspending operations on April 20 or whether talks avert a shutdown before then.