NMDPRA Dispels Aviation Fuel Shortage Fears, Confirms 74-day National Sufficiency

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reassured the public of ample aviation fuel supplies amid circulating media reports of shortages and inflated prices, following threats by airlines to suspend operations.

The NMDPRA director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, stated on Saturday that the system had robust stockpiles, with 12 days of inland sufficiency and 62 days at refineries, totaling 74 days nationwide, noting that this exceeded typical petroleum reserve benchmarks, contrasting with recent PMS stock which dropped to 21 days despite rising imports.

“There is robust supply of Aviation Fuel in the country,” the NMDPRA affirmed, countering concerns fueled by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warnings of potential flight halts from April 20 due to “exploitative” fuel pricing.

“It is imperative to note that like other petroleum products, Aviation Fuel has been fully deregulated, and the price is driven by market dynamics. The prevailing Ex-Gantry price of Aviation Fuel at Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Company (DPRP) is N1,879 per litre, which is slightly lower than the international indicative supply cost of N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of the 16th of April 2026.

“Meanwhile, the nationwide retail prices surveyed by the NMDPRA as of 17th April 2026 range between N1,960 per litre to N2,800 per litre. Therefore, the speculated N3,300 per litre price of Aviation Fuel being peddled in the media. does not reflect current market reality.

“The NMDPRA, in line with its mandate, will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of supply of petroleum products and profiteering across the country. “While appreciating the continued efforts of all stakeholders in the Aviation Fuel supply chain in ensuring adequate supply and distribution of the product, the public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s continued commitment to guarantee energy security in the country,” the NMDPRA stated
The regulator hailed aviation fuel chain stakeholders and vowed sustained energy security efforts, as Nigeria advances domestic refining to phase out imports.