Nigerian airlines avert shutdown as Middle East war hikes fuel prices

Nigerian airlines continued to operate despite threats of a shutdown due to soaring fuel prices. Global crude oil prices rose above $126 per barrel, the highest since 2022, amid Middle Eastern tensions. Although the Airline Operators of Nigeria warned of a potential flight halt, carriers like Air Peace and Max Air were still in operation. The Dangote refinery, which began producing fuel in 2024, has ramped up jet fuel production to a record high in April 2026.