The war in Iran has increased jet fuel prices – Copyright AFP Kola SULAIMON
Nigerian airlines continued to fly on Thursday despite threatening to shut down due to high jet fuel prices, rocking the industry in Africa’s top crude oil producer and most populous nation.
It is the second time a strike has been averted in as many weeks, with government talks with airlines already resulting in a promise to give carriers debt relief.
Global crude oil prices have risen since attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran prompted Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz – climbing above $126 a barrel on Thursday, the highest level since 2022.
Already, some carriers in Europe have reduced flights due to rising costs and warnings of low supply.
Nigeria has not been spared the high prices, even as the country’s massive Dangote refinery has increased production of jet fuel, according to Kpler data reviewed by AFP.
Despite threats by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to suspend flights on Thursday, domestic carriers Air Peace, Max Air and Rano Air were all operating, according to flight tracking data consulted by AFP.
AON did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Air travel has become especially important in Nigeria as the country grapples with armed groups and kidnappings, which have forced those who can afford it to stay off the road for long-distance travel.
