African state faces surge in airfares

Global supply disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict could soon push prices higher in Mozambique, officials have said

Mozambique may soon see a spike in air travel costs as global jet fuel prices surge, the country’s national director of hydrocarbons and fuels, Felisbela Nhate, said on Thursday. 

Speaking to reporters, Nhate said that aviation fuel has experienced a steep price increases in global markets recently. She noted that prices have climbed from around $769 per ton to $1,595.   

Nhate’s comments come amid global supply disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. The disruption to one of the world’s key energy routes has sent oil prices higher and triggered knock-on effects across global supply chains.  

According to Nhate, these developments are already driving up operational costs for airlines, which could ultimately be passed on to passengers through higher ticket prices. 

READ MORE: Global energy crisis hits Africa – expert

“The worsening political context in the Middle East has had a direct impact not only on the price of the product itself, but also on freight costs,” she said as quoted by AIM.

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At the end of March, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo warned that fuel prices in the country could begin rising if the conflict in the Middle East persists. “Perhaps around the end of April and beginning of May, according to the calculations we are making now, we will start to see these prices [increase] if the war continues,” Chapo said as quoted by Club of Mozambique. 

Against the backdrop of a deepening fuel crisis, Kenya Airways increased fares across its network last month. Air Mauritius has announced it would continue increasing its fuel surcharge.

Ethiopian Airlines also raised its fuel surcharge, stating it would continue to monitor developments in the region. RwandAir has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge adjustment on select fares.

READ MORE: Middle East war threatens price rise across Africa – report