Energy industry stakeholders have commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for enhancing transparency and stability in Nigeria’s aviation fuel market.
The praise follows the regulator’s recent intervention, which clarified the availability and pricing of Jet A1 fuel at a time when uncertainty had sparked concerns among airline operators and other industry players about possible disruptions to flight operations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Centre for Energy Market Integrity and Sustainability (CEMIS) said the NMDPRA’s timely disclosure helped ease tensions and prevent a potential crisis within the aviation sector.
According to CEMIS Executive Director, Tunde Adeyemi, confirmation that Nigeria holds over 70 days’ worth of aviation fuel supply demonstrates strong market resilience and a stable downstream petroleum framework.
He noted that the regulator’s data-driven clarification countered widespread speculation, including claims that Jet A1 prices could surge to unsustainable levels—fears that had raised the prospect of higher airfares and operational disruptions.
“The Authority’s intervention provided clarity at a critical moment. By prioritising transparency and factual communication, it helped calm anxieties within the aviation ecosystem,” Adeyemi said.
He emphasized that aviation fuel remains one of the largest cost components for airlines, making price and supply stability essential for the sustainability of the sector.
Adeyemi also highlighted the importance of the NMDPRA reiterating that the Jet A1 market is deregulated, with pricing influenced by global oil trends, foreign exchange rates, and logistics costs.
CEMIS further pointed to the growing role of domestic refining in moderating fuel prices, noting that locally refined aviation fuel is currently being sold slightly below international benchmarks—an indication of improving local capacity.
The group praised the NMDPRA’s continued monitoring of supply and pricing trends nationwide, stressing that proactive oversight is vital to preventing profiteering and protecting consumers from excessive costs.
It also urged stakeholders across the aviation fuel value chain to avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine market confidence or distort realities.
In addition, Adeyemi commended the leadership of the Authority’s Chief Executive, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, describing his approach as calm, coordinated, and focused on maintaining market stability.
CEMIS concluded by calling on the Federal Government to sustain support for regulatory institutions in the energy sector, noting that consistent policies and strong oversight remain key to safeguarding economic activity and public confidence in critical industries like energy and aviation.
