‘There Are Some Manipulations Going On’ – Ukachukwu Slams Marketers Over Fuel Price Hike

The Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Africa, Toni Ukachukwu, has berated marketers over the current fuel price hike, stating that there is an ongoing manipulation in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

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Naija News reports that Ukachukwu, speaking on Arise News, said that Nigerians should not suffer the adverse effects of the US-Iran war because they have a refinery.

He noted that the country refines and produces crude locally, admitting that the disruptions could have effects, but not to the extent of 300%.

He said, “I think by and large, there is some kind of manipulation going on with the marketers.

“Ordinarily, Nigeria should be insulated from whatever has happened from the issues of the Iran US war, because we have a refinery…Dangote refinery locally.

“We refine locally and produce crude locally. But having said that, I mean, we are part of the geopolitics.

“The disruption should have had some effect on the Nigerian market, but not to 300%, so it’s not acceptable.

“And I think there are some manipulations going on.”

Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the temporary suspension of its planned strike.

The suspension was announced after the intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

In a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the association’s Executive Council (Exco) and Board of Trustees held on Friday evening, the AON said it decided to suspend the shutdown to allow room for dialogue and possible resolution of the crisis.

“The planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off, albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the meeting called by the Honourable Minister,” the association said.

According to AON, the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage constructively to find a “lasting and win-win solution” to the issues surrounding the astronomical rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.