Iran war disrupts African aviation through fuel cost surge

Jet fuel prices have doubled in some markets as conflict-related supply disruptions push crude oil above $97 per barrel.

African airlines faced mounting operational pressures as jet fuel costs surged in response to disruptions linked to the Iran war, according to industry observers.¹²

Brent crude oil traded near $98 per barrel in early Wednesday trading, representing an increase of more than 30% since the war began in late February.² Analysts attributed the rise to concerns that a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran could collapse, particularly after US authorities seized an Iranian cargo ship and shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained largely halted.¹²

The price increases affected African carriers' fuel purchasing capacity, according to Dominick Andoh, managing partner of AviationGhana, an online aviation news portal.¹² Jet fuel prices doubled in some markets, leading to supply shortages.¹²

"The impact is that it has affected how much African carriers purchase aviation fuel for their operations," Andoh said.¹²

Airlines passed the increased costs to passengers through higher ticket prices and fuel surcharges, Andoh noted.¹² Kenya Airways rerouted flights from Europe through Kenya rather than Middle Eastern airports in response to the crisis.¹²

Jet fuel, a kerosene-based product refined from crude oil, constitutes a significant portion of airline operating expenses.¹²