Nigerian airlines will cancel all domestic flights starting Monday due to a fourfold increase in jet fuel prices, according to an umbrella group of companies.
According to the Nigerian Airline Operators Association, the price of jet fuel has increased from 190 to 700 Nigerian naira per litre (from $0.45 to over $1.70). The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February is the primary driver of the increase in jet fuel prices.
Fuel prices have risen dramatically around the world since Russia invaded its western neighbor, prompting a slew of Western sanctions against Moscow, a major oil and gas exporter.
“No airline in the world can withstand this type of unexpected shock from such an exorbitant jump in such a short period,” the AON stated, adding that a one-hour journey would now cost 120,000 naira ($289), an amount unattainable for Nigerians “who are already experiencing a lot of challenges.”
As a result, the AON wanted to “regrettably advise the general public that member airlines would cease operations countrywide with effect from Monday, May 9, 2022, until further notice,” according to the statement.
In response, the aviation ministry urged airlines to “consider the multiplying effect of shutting down operations on Nigerians and international travelers.”
“Domestic airlines should assess the effect of the proposed shutdown on passengers and the degree of challenges and pain involved with such an action,” the Nigerian consumer protection agency said.
It went on to say that it was “concerned” about “increasing customer feedback that airlines have continued to sell tickets past the scheduled date for the proposed service shutdown.”
Users on social media mocked airlines for advising consumers to find alternate modes of transportation.
“From Monday, Nigerian airlines will cease passenger service,” one tweeted to more than 110,000 followers.
“I hope you can travel from Lagos to Abuja?” they asked, referring to the more than 700-kilometer (400-mile) road journey between the country’s largest city and its capital, which takes just over an hour by plane.
“I hope you have your ransom money if you use the roads?” They joked about kidnappings in other sections of the oil-rich country.
Nigeria generates 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day but refines only a small portion of it. It is nearly entirely reliant on imported fuel, leaving the local market vulnerable to disruptions.
In recent weeks, persistent power outages have been exacerbated by increased fuel prices.
