How Much Is Petrol in Nigeria? Current Prices and Trends

In Nigeria, the price of petrol—commonly referred to as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—is a topic of immense significance. As a nation heavily reliant on petroleum products for transportation, power generation, and small-scale industries, fluctuations in petrol prices ripple through every facet of daily life. We aim to provide an in-depth exploration of the current cost of petrol in Nigeria, the factors influencing these prices, historical trends, and what consumers can expect moving forward. This guide is meticulously crafted to deliver the most detailed and up-to-date information available as of April 2025.

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Current Petrol Prices in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

As of April 2, 2025, the price of petrol in Nigeria varies depending on location, supply dynamics, and the type of vendor—whether it’s a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) station, an independent marketer, or the informal black market. Based on the latest data, the average pump price at NNPCL stations ranges between 925 Naira and 990 Naira per liter in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. However, independent filling stations often charge higher, with prices climbing to 1,050 Naira to 1,200 Naira per liter, particularly in areas experiencing scarcity.

Lagos: NNPCL stations sell petrol at approximately 925 Naira per liter, while independent stations range from 970 Naira to 1,050 Naira per liter.
Abuja: Prices at NNPCL outlets hover around 965 Naira per liter, with independent marketers charging between 1,060 Naira and 1,090 Naira per liter.
Northern States (e.g., Kano): Prices can escalate to 1,000 Naira to 1,200 Naira per liter, reflecting transportation costs and supply challenges.
Black Market: In times of acute shortage, black market vendors sell petrol at 1,200 Naira to 1,500 Naira per liter, capitalizing on demand.

These figures reflect a dynamic market influenced by local production from the Dangote Refinery, the revival of state-owned refineries, and global crude oil prices. We note that prices are subject to rapid change, often within weeks, due to policy shifts and market conditions.

Factors Driving Petrol Prices in Nigeria

Understanding how much petrol costs in Nigeria requires a deep dive into the underlying drivers. Since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has transitioned to a market-driven pricing system. This shift has significantly altered the cost landscape.

Subsidy Removal and Market Deregulation

Before 2023, petrol prices were artificially capped at 197 Naira per liter through subsidies, costing the government billions annually. The subsidy removal tripled prices overnight, with NNPCL announcing a new baseline of 617 Naira per liter in July 2023. By 2025, further adjustments have pushed prices closer to 1,000 Naira per liter, aligning them with international market rates.

Dangote Refinery’s Role

The Dangote Refinery, operational since late 2024, has introduced locally refined petrol, reducing reliance on imports. Initially, NNPCL purchased petrol from Dangote at 898 Naira per liter, but logistical challenges and negotiations with independent marketers have led to price variations. While the refinery promises long-term stability, its full impact on reducing costs remains unrealized as of April 2025.

Global Crude Oil Prices

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, imports most of its refined petrol due to historically nonfunctional refineries. The international price of crude oil, which hit a four-month high in January 2025, directly affects local pump prices. With crude oil trading above $80 per barrel, refining and importation costs have kept petrol prices elevated.

Exchange Rate Volatility

The Naira’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar exacerbates petrol costs. As of April 2025, the exchange rate fluctuates around 1,600 Naira to $1, inflating the cost of imported fuel and components. Even with local refining, some inputs are dollar-denominated, maintaining upward pressure on prices.

Supply Chain and Distribution Challenges

Nigeria’s vast geography and poor infrastructure contribute to regional price disparities. Transporting petrol from coastal depots to northern states incurs significant costs, while pipeline vandalism and truck shortages often disrupt supply, leading to localized scarcity and price hikes.

Historical Trends in Petrol Pricing

To fully grasp how much petrol is in Nigeria today, we must examine its pricing evolution. Over the past decade, petrol prices have undergone dramatic shifts:

2015: Prices averaged 87 Naira per liter, heavily subsidized.
2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, prices dropped to 130 Naira per liter, the lowest in recent years.
2023: Post-subsidy removal, prices surged to 532.5 Naira per liter by June, a 208% increase from the previous year.
2024: By October, NNPCL raised prices to 998 Naira per liter in Lagos and 1,030 Naira per liter in Abuja, reflecting full market pricing.
2025: Current averages of 925–990 Naira per liter at NNPCL stations indicate a stabilization, albeit at a high level.

This trajectory underscores Nigeria’s transition from a subsidized to a deregulated market, a move aimed at freeing funds for infrastructure but met with public discontent.

Regional Variations in Petrol Prices

Petrol prices in Nigeria are not uniform. We observe distinct regional patterns:

South-South: This zone, rich in oil resources, often enjoys the lowest prices, averaging 900–950 Naira per liter due to proximity to refineries and depots.
North-West: Higher transportation costs push prices to 1,000–1,200 Naira per liter, with states like Kano reporting the steepest rates.
South-West (Lagos): As a commercial hub, Lagos benefits from robust supply chains, keeping prices at 925–1,050 Naira per liter.
North-Central (Abuja): Prices range from 965–1,090 Naira per liter, influenced by demand from government and business activities.

These variations highlight the logistical complexities of distributing petrol across Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.

Impact of Petrol Prices on Nigerians

The question of how much petrol costs in Nigeria extends beyond numbers—it shapes livelihoods. With prices nearing 1,000 Naira per liter, the economic fallout is profound:

Transportation Costs: Public transport fares have doubled, with commuters in Lagos paying 600 Naira for routes that once cost 300 Naira.
Cost of Living: Higher fuel prices inflate the cost of goods, as businesses pass on expenses. Inflation, already at a 28-year high, worsens.
Small Businesses: Many rely on petrol-powered generators due to an unreliable grid. A full tank, once 50,000 Naira, now exceeds 70,000 Naira for larger vehicles.
Social Inequality: Low-income households, spending a larger share of income on energy, bear the brunt, fueling calls for government intervention.

Future Outlook: Will Petrol Prices Drop?

Looking ahead, we assess whether petrol prices in Nigeria might decline. The revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries in late 2024, alongside Dangote’s output, raises hopes of increased supply. Experts suggest prices could stabilize between 500–600 Naira per liter if local production scales and the Naira strengthens. However, challenges like exchange rate volatility and global oil market trends temper optimism.

The Naira-for-crude deal, intended to reduce dollar dependency, has stalled as of March 2025, keeping prices elevated. For a significant drop, Nigeria must address refining capacity, currency stability, and distribution efficiency—goals yet to be fully realized.

Practical Tips for Consumers

While awaiting systemic change, we offer strategies to manage petrol costs in Nigeria:

Buy from NNPCL Stations: These outlets typically offer the lowest prices, saving 50–100 Naira per liter compared to independent vendors.
Monitor Local Trends: Prices fluctuate weekly—stock up during dips.
Carpool or Use Public Transport: Reduce personal consumption amid high costs.
Invest in Fuel Efficiency: Opt for vehicles or generators with better mileage.

For real-time updates, platforms like GlobalPetrolPrices.com provide valuable insights into Nigeria’s fuel market.

How Much Is Petrol in Nigeria? Current Prices and Trends

Current Petrol Prices in Nigeria: What You Need to Know