War-Driven Fuel Surge Pushes Up Airfares Across West Africa | By Dominick Andoh
Aviation fuel prices across West Africa have nearly doubled in the wake of the Iran conflict and disruption to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, squeezing airline margins and driving up ticket prices.
In Ghana, jet fuel rose to 17.68 cedis per litre in April from 9.04 cedis in February, marking a 95% increase. Similar spikes were recorded in Lomé, where prices climbed from 8.17 to 14.79 per litre, and in Abuja, where fuel surged from 7.31 to 17.44 cedis per litre.
The surge reflects tightening global energy supplies and increased risk premiums following the conflict. For airlines, which typically spend up to 40% of operating costs on fuel, the impact has been immediate.
Carriers across the region have begun passing on the higher costs to passengers through increased fares and fuel surcharges.
The price hikes are unavoidable, particularly for African airlines that lack extensive fuel hedging mechanisms used by larger global competitors.
Sean Mendis, an African aviation expert, notes that fuel is the single biggest cost driver, and this level of increase cannot be absorbed, pointing to mounting financial pressure on already fragile balance sheets.
“The cost to an airline in flying each passenger is up by around 28 percent, and consequently ticket prices will also increase to match that,” Mr. Mendis said.
The higher fares are expected to dampen discretionary travel demand, especially among price-sensitive leisure passengers, while essential business and diaspora travel is likely to hold up despite rising costs.
Airlines are also reviewing route economics, with some expected to redeploy capacity, or prioritise more fuel-efficient aircraft to mitigate losses.
Sustained fuel price volatility could potentially constrain expansion plans and limit connectivity gains across key markets such as Accra, Ghana. Unless global oil markets stabilise, industry stakeholders expect continued upward pressure on airfares in the months ahead.
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