Turbulence in Fuel Markets Hits African Airlines Hard

By Desmond Nleya

The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel is sending shockwaves through global fuel markets—placing African airlines under mounting pressure.

Jet fuel prices have surged worldwide, but Africa finds itself especially vulnerable. Nearly 70% of the continent’s jet fuel and kerosene imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route now affected by Iran’s blockade.

Since the conflict escalated last month, traffic through the strait has nearly ground to a halt. This disruption has effectively removed around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply from circulation, triggering sharp price increases.

For African airlines, the impact is severe. Fuel already accounts for between 30% and 40% of operating costs—significantly higher than in many other regions. For low-cost carriers, that figure can climb as high as 55%, intensifying the financial strain during this volatile period.

The unpredictability of fuel prices is also complicating operations. Airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to plan routes or set ticket prices in advance, as sudden spikes in fuel costs could quickly turn profitable routes into losses.

Source: African News