Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa are among East and Southern African countries at high risk of jet fuel shortages due to heavy reliance on imported refined products, according to CITAC- a consultancy that provides expert analysis, data, and strategic advice on the African energy sector.
According to the Consultancy, this surge has been attributed to rising tensions in the Middle East, which have unsettled global fuel markets and driven up jet fuel prices for African airlines.
In response, carriers are adjusting ticket fares to cope with the unpredictability and sharp increase in fuel costs.
Further, Africa’s small and underdeveloped refining capacity is worsening the jet fuel shortage, as local plants are far smaller than those in Asia and Europe and often cannot meet domestic demand.
The continent remains highly exposed to supply shocks and price fluctuations, with about 70% of Africa’s jet fuel and kerosene imports moving through the Strait of Hormuz, according to S&P Global.
Reuters reported that African carriers are particularly exposed, as jet fuel represents between 30% and more than 40% of their operating expenses, far above the global average of 20% to 25%, the African Airlines Association notes.
Kenya Among African Countries Exposed to Jet Fuel Shortages
According to JetA1Fuel.com, which tracks aviation fuel prices globally, the Jet A1 fuel price in Kenya was reported as follows as of March 21, 2026:
- The cost of Jet A-1 fuel per barrel was $83.7 USD.
- On a per-metric-ton (MT) basis, the price stood at $661.2 USD.
- The price per gallon was about $1.993 USD.
- This translates to approximately $0.53 USD per litre
Also Read: Explainer: How Kenya Imports Fuel and Supplies Petrol Stations Countrywide
Jet Fuel Consumption Climbs in 2025
Kenya’s consumption of jet fuel reached 347,180 metric tonnes in 2025, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
This upward trend highlighted the recovery and growth of both passenger and cargo air traffic in the country after previous slowdowns.
Consumption rose significantly between 2023 and 2024, up 10.8% to 732,340 metric tonnes.
Overall, usage has steadily grown from 506,870 MT in 2021 to 594,520 MT in 2022, and then to 661,100 MT in 2023.
Also Read: Fuel Supply Crunch Hits Select Petrol Stations in Kenya
Global Fuel Prices
Crude oil futures have climbed toward $98 per barrel as investors react to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The market is factoring in potential supply disruptions after Iraq declared force majeure on all its oilfields and drone strikes targeted refineries in Kuwait.
Geopolitical risks pushed oil prices higher despite the International Energy Agency (IEA) releasing 400 million barrels from emergency reserves.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump dismissed calls for a ceasefire in Iran, expressing confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open.
