NNPC too allow airline operators to import aviation fuel as domestic shortages bite hard

NIGERIAN airline operators are now going to be given licences by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to enable them import aviation fuel to prevent them folding as a result of domestic shortages.

Over recent weeks, Nigeria has been reeling from the effects of a chronic shortage of petroleum products including petrol, kerosene and aviation fuel. Earlier this week, airline operators warned that they may have to ground their fleets because they were running out of aviation fuel to keep their planes in the air.

Responding to their plight, Mele Kyari, the NNPC managing director, has revealed plans to grant licences to members of the Airline Operators Association of Nigeria to allow them import aviation fuel. Speaking at an investigative hearing into the price hike of aviation fuel by oil marketers, held at the instance of the House of Representatives, Mr Kyari said imports are now needed to combat the shortages.

Mr Kyari added: “We know this is a very difficult situation and we know that once aviation fuel prices increase, the price of flight tickets will certainly increase, causing pain for Nigerians. That is why we are working to ensure that those pains are minimised to the barest minimum and one of the elements is the pricing of aviation fuel."