March 08, (THEWILL) – The difficulties experienced by airline operators have increased, following the spike of the cost of jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel, from N190 in January last year to over N600 as at Tuesday, March 8.
In just one year, the product has been increasing uncontrollably. For instance, operators, in January 2021, bought aviation fuel at N190 per litre. At the end of 2021, the fuel went up to N360 which accounts to almost 100 percent increase. At the end of February 2022, it stood at N415.
THEWILL gathered that as at Monday, 7th March, 2022, aviation fuel was sold between N445 and N460. On Tuesday, 8th March, 2022, the product has gone further up to N579 per litre in Lagos, N599 in Abuja and N607 in Kano if it is available.
Investigation shows that there are about 5 flights on ground in Abuja airport, waiting for the availability of the product.
Consequently, there are fears that if urgent action is not taken to make the product available, more flights may be grounded in the coming days.
Confirming the negative impact of the high cost of aviation fuel on their operations, Spokesperson of United Nigeria Airlines, Mr Achilles Chud-Uchegbu, told THEWILL on Tuesday, that the new development is affecting their operations too, which is due to high cost and non availability.
“Most flights on Tuesday were rescheduled”, he said.
Similarly, Dana Air spokesman corroborated Mr Chud-Uchegbu’s position, stating that, Dana Air is also feeling the impact.
For Ibom Air, the case is not different as the carrier issued an official statement Tuesday, stating their challenges as it borders on aviation fuel.
In the statement signed by the management, the airline stated that, “We have encountered a situation today, where aviation fuel is scarce and therefore unavailable at almost all our flight destinations. This has significantly impacted our flight schedule today and may do the same tomorrow.
“We sincerely apologise to all our passengers affected by the current situation. At this time, we have no indication when the issue will be resolved. However, we are working with our fellow airlines and fuel suppliers to find a solution.
“Our passengers and the public should please be informed, we will give an update once we have further information.”
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
