Nigerian airlines feeling fuel pinch

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s airlines say they are struggling to keep flying because the price of aviation fuel in the West African country has increased by 260%.

The country’s six airlines said they will continue domestic and regional flights thanks to a pledge by federal government officials to engage institutions that will “provide succor” to the airlines to help offset their skyrocketing fuel prices which now constitute 95% of their operating costs, the airlines said in a statement.

International crude oil prices have increased 40% since January, due to a combination of factors including Russia’s war in Ukraine. Despite being Africa’s largest producer of crude oil, Nigeria imports most of its fuel because it has few refineries.