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, due to Middle Eastern tensions. Although the Airline Operators of Nigeria threatened to halt flights, carriers like Air Peace and Max Air were still in operation. The Dangote refinery increased its jet fuel production, reaching a record 154,000 barrels per day in April 2026.