How Much is Diesel Per Litre in Nigeria? Current Prices and Trends in 2025

The price of diesel per litre in Nigeria is a critical metric for millions of Nigerians, impacting businesses, transportation, and households reliant on this fuel for power generation and logistics. As of April 7, 2025, diesel—officially known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)—remains a deregulated product, meaning its cost fluctuates based on market forces rather than government subsidies. We provide an in-depth analysis of the current diesel price per litre across Nigeria, exploring regional variations, influencing factors, historical trends, and practical implications for consumers and industries in 2025.

Current Diesel Price Per Litre: April 7, 2025

As of April 7, 2025, at 06:28 AM PDT (2:28 PM WAT, Nigeria’s local time), the average price of diesel per litre in Nigeria ranges between ₦1,350 and ₦1,400, based on the latest market data and real-time updates from fuel stations and traders. This figure reflects the interplay of global oil prices, local supply dynamics, and the naira’s exchange rate. We break down the specifics:

• Lagos: Diesel retails at ₦1,340–₦1,360 per litre, slightly below the national average due to proximity to ports and the Dangote Refinery’s supply influence.
• Abuja: Prices range from ₦1,370–₦1,400 per litre, higher due to transportation costs from coastal depots to the capital.
• Port Harcourt: Averages ₦1,350–₦1,370 per litre, benefiting from its oil-rich region and depot access.
• Kano: Northern cities see ₦1,380–₦1,410 per litre, reflecting added logistics expenses.
• Black Market: Informal vendors charge ₦1,450–₦1,500 per litre, a premium for immediate availability in jerrycans.

These prices stem from a base of $0.81–$0.84 USD per litre, calculated at the parallel market exchange rate of ₦1,665/USD, adjusted for local distribution costs and trader margins.

Factors Driving Diesel Prices in Nigeria

The cost of diesel per litre in Nigeria is shaped by a complex mix of global and domestic variables. We outline the primary drivers as of April 2025:

1. Global Crude Oil Prices

Diesel prices track global crude oil benchmarks, with Brent crude hovering at $85 per barrel in early April 2025. A $1/barrel increase typically raises diesel costs by ₦10–₦15 per litre, per industry estimates, due to Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products alongside domestic supply from the Dangote Refinery.

2. Naira Exchange Rate

The naira’s value—₦1,665/USD in the parallel market and ₦1,670/USD officially—directly impacts import costs. A 5% depreciation could push diesel to ₦1,420–₦1,470 per litre, amplifying expenses for marketers sourcing from international markets.

3. Dangote Refinery Impact

Since April 2024, the Dangote Refinery has supplied diesel at ₦1,225 per litre to marketers, reducing import dependency and dropping prices by 20.6% from a peak of ₦1,700 (Vanguard News, April 2024). By April 2025, its output of 650,000 barrels per day stabilizes local supply, though demand pressures keep prices above this base.

4. Transportation and Logistics

Moving diesel from coastal depots to inland regions adds ₦20–₦50 per litre, with northern states like Sokoto facing higher costs due to distance and poor road networks. In contrast, Lagos benefits from lower transport overheads.

5. Market Deregulation

Unlike petrol, diesel has been deregulated since the 1990s, allowing marketers to set prices based on supply and demand. This flexibility leads to daily fluctuations, with margins of ₦50–₦100 per litre added by retailers for profit and operational costs.

Regional Variations in Diesel Prices

Diesel prices vary across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones due to logistics, demand, and supply proximity. We detail the current averages:

• South-West (e.g., Lagos, Ogun): ₦1,340–₦1,360 per litre—lowest due to port access and refinery proximity.
• South-South (e.g., Rivers, Delta): ₦1,350–₦1,370 per litre—competitive rates from oil-producing hubs.
• South-East (e.g., Enugu, Anambra): ₦1,360–₦1,380 per litre—moderate increase from transport costs.
• North-Central (e.g., Abuja, Kogi): ₦1,370–₦1,400 per litre—higher due to central location logistics.
• North-West (e.g., Kano, Kaduna): ₦1,380–₦1,410 per litre—elevated by distance from supply points.
• North-East (e.g., Bauchi, Adamawa): ₦1,390–₦1,420 per litre—highest due to remoteness and insecurity risks.

These disparities reflect Nigeria’s uneven infrastructure and economic geography.

Historical Diesel Price Trends

Diesel prices in Nigeria have surged over the decades, driven by inflation, currency devaluation, and global oil dynamics. We trace the trajectory:

• 2015: ₦131.47 per litre—a low base under President Buhari’s early tenure (NBS data).
• 2020: ₦225 per litre—stable amid global oil price crashes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2022: ₦545–₦800 per litre—a 113%+ jump from 2021, fueled by Russia-Ukraine war impacts (Nairametrics, March 2022).
• 2023: ₦1,153 per litre—up 39.11% year-on-year, per NBS January 2024 reports.
• 2024: Peaked at ₦1,700 per litre before dropping to ₦1,350 with Dangote’s intervention (April 2024).
• 2025: ₦1,350–₦1,400 per litre—stabilizing but still 900% higher than 2015 levels.

This escalation mirrors Nigeria’s economic challenges and shifting fuel supply strategies.

Practical Worth of Diesel Per Litre

What does ₦1,350–₦1,400 per litre mean for Nigerians today? We calculate its real-world value:

• Power Generation: A 5kVA generator consumes 1.5 litres/hour. At ₦1,375 average, an hour costs ₦2,062.50, or ₦49,500 for 24 hours.
• Transport: A truck using 10 litres for a 50km haul spends ₦13,500–₦14,000, raising goods delivery costs by 10–15% versus 2023 rates.
• Household Use: A 20-litre jerrycan at ₦1,400/litre totals ₦28,000, powering a small home’s generator for 3–4 days.

These costs strain businesses and families, especially with electricity coverage at 55% (World Bank, 2024).

Where to Buy Diesel in Nigeria

Accessing diesel at competitive rates requires strategic sourcing. We highlight key options:

• Filling Stations: Major brands like TotalEnergies and Mobil sell at ₦1,350–₦1,400 per litre, depending on location.
• Dangote Refinery Outlets: Marketers distribute at ₦1,340–₦1,360 per litre in Lagos and nearby states.
• Depots: NNPC and private depots offer bulk rates of ₦1,300–₦1,320 per litre, excluding transport fees.
• Black Market: Street vendors charge ₦1,450–₦1,500 per litre for quick, small-volume access.

For real-time prices, platforms like GlobalPetrolPrices.com offer updates, though local verification is advised.

Diesel vs. Other Fuels in Nigeria

We compare diesel’s cost per litre to alternatives:

• Petrol (PMS): ₦1,030–₦1,080 per litre—cheaper but less efficient for heavy machinery.
• Kerosene: ₦1,200–₦1,250 per litre—lower demand keeps it competitive.
• CNG: ₦230–₦250 per kg—a cost-effective option, though conversion costs deter widespread use.

Diesel’s dominance in industrial and transport sectors sustains its higher price point.

Economic Impact of Diesel Prices

The ₦1,350–₦1,400 per litre rate reverberates across Nigeria:

• Manufacturing: Firms report a 20–30% cost hike since 2023, per MAN data, driving up goods prices.
• Transport: Haulage fees rise by 15–20%, inflating food costs (e.g., a bag of rice up ₦5,000 since January 2025).
• Inflation: Diesel contributes to Nigeria’s 33–34% inflation, amplifying living expenses.

Tips for Managing Diesel Costs

We offer practical strategies:

• Bulk Buying: Purchase from depots at ₦1,300–₦1,320 per litre to save ₦30–₦80 per litre.
• Monitor Trends: Prices dip post-holidays; stock up when rates fall below ₦1,340.
• Efficiency: Upgrade to fuel-efficient generators, cutting consumption by 10–15%.
• Alternative Fuels: Explore CNG for long-term savings despite initial costs.

Future Outlook for Diesel Prices

Looking ahead, we project:

• Q2 2025: If Brent rises to $90/barrel or the naira hits ₦1,700/USD, expect ₦1,420–₦1,450 per litre.
• Year-End 2025: Dangote’s full capacity could stabilize prices at ₦1,300–₦1,350, barring global shocks.
• Risks: Supply disruptions or forex scarcity might push rates to ₦1,500+.

Read also: How Much Is Petrol in Nigeria? Current Prices and Trends

Why Diesel Prices Matter

For Nigeria’s 200 million+ population, diesel at ₦1,350–₦1,400 per litre powers industries, moves goods, and lights homes amid unreliable grids. Its cost shapes economic stability, business viability, and household budgets, making it a barometer of national well-being.

Read also: How Much Is One Gram of Gold in Nigeria? A Detailed 2025 Guide

Conclusion

The price of diesel per litre in Nigeria on April 7, 2025, ranges from ₦1,350 to ₦1,400, with regional highs in the North-East (₦1,420) and lows in Lagos (₦1,340). Fueled by global oil prices, naira volatility, and local supply shifts, this rate reflects Nigeria’s economic pulse. Whether you’re a manufacturer, transporter, or homeowner, understanding these dynamics ensures informed decisions in a fluctuating market.