The price of JetA1 type kerosene “has gone from 190 naira (43 cents) to 700 naira (1.60 euros) per liter. No airline in the world can absorb (…) such a sudden astronomical increase in a short period”might be seen in a press release from the Air Operators Association of Nigeria on May 6.
Thus, according to the AON, a plane ticket for a one-hour domestic flight currently costs an average of 270 euros, a colossal price for travelers “who are already experiencing many difficulties”. “This is why (…) the airlines will cease their operations throughout the country from Monday, May 9, 2022 until further notice”she continued.
Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Aviation called on air operators, “even in this difficult situation”, “to consider the multiplier effect of stopping their operations on Nigerians and travelers around the world”.
The ministry, which recalls in its press release published on May 7 that the supply of fuel is not its responsibility, evokes “Efforts made to calm the situation”.
For its part, the Nigerian Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it is making efforts to find a “arrangement acceptable” with major fuel traders.
The FCCPC also expressed its “concern” in the face of the rain of reactions from many Nigerians “according to which the airlines have continued to sell tickets beyond the date announced”.
On social media, many Nigerian netizens expressed their anger, sometimes ironically, following the AON announcement urged travelers to “find alternatives”.
