Petrol and Diesel Prices Rise Again Across Nigeria Today
Petrol and diesel prices are rising again across Nigeria after Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its petrol gantry price to ₦1,350 per litre, with Abuja and northern markets facing potentially higher costs because of distribution expenses. The increase took effect on September 12, 2026, after the refinery raised the previous ₦1,265 price by 6.7 per cent.
Dangote petrol price increase raises pump price pressure
The latest adjustment represents the fourth upward review of Dangote Refinery's petrol gantry price since August 21. The refinery moved the price from ₦1,165 to ₦1,185 on August 21, then to ₦1,200 on August 26 and ₦1,265 on August 29 before the latest ₦85 increase.
The cumulative increase since August 21 is ₦185 per litre, equivalent to about 15.9 per cent. According to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, “the revised DPRP PMS gantry and coastal price” became effective on September 12.
The higher wholesale price is expected to raise acquisition costs for marketers and could lead to additional pump price adjustments. The effect is likely to be more pronounced in markets that depend heavily on long distance trucking.
Abuja and northern Nigeria face higher fuel costs
The latest Energy Bulletin by the Industry Competency Centre, Lagos, put the seven-day average domestic petrol price at ₦1,308.33 per litre and diesel at ₦1,855.97 per litre. It also recorded a seven-day average Brent crude price of $98.74 per barrel, Bonny Light at $104.65 and an average exchange rate of ₦1,323.12 to the dollar.
The bulletin further reported that industry estimates put potential petrol prices in Abuja at ₦1,400 to ₦1,500 per litre, with some stations potentially exceeding ₦1,500 depending on supply costs and marketers' margins. Petrol in Kano, Kaduna, Jos and other inland cities could reach ₦1,450 to ₦1,600 per litre under the same conditions.
Independent reporting by The ICIR found that MRS outlets in Abuja had raised petrol from ₦1,350 to ₦1,395 per litre, while NIPCO moved to ₦1,430 and Mobil to ₦1,400. The report attributed the changes to the latest Dangote gantry price increase.
The regional difference is linked partly to logistics. Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri have closer access to refineries, terminals and other supply points, whereas Abuja and northern markets depend more heavily on products transported over longer distances.
Why are diesel prices also rising in Nigeria?
Diesel remains under pressure as crude oil, freight and distribution costs rise. Lagos diesel ex-depot prices were ranging from ₦1,790 to ₦2,100 per litre, with inland prices potentially reaching ₦2,100 to ₦2,400 or more after transportation and distribution costs.
Lawal Kamaldeen, Vice President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, said, “Petrol remains a major input for transportation, distribution, agriculture, small businesses and general economic activity in Nigeria.”
Diesel is particularly significant for businesses that depend on generators, logistics fleets and other diesel-powered equipment. Higher diesel costs can therefore feed into manufacturing, agriculture, construction, retail and transportation expenses.
How could higher fuel prices affect Nigerians?
Higher fuel costs can increase transportation and logistics expenses, which can then raise the cost of moving food and other goods. Businesses may also face higher operating costs if they rely on petrol or diesel for transport and electricity generation.
Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, said, “Higher fuel and logistics costs can raise the cost of moving people and goods.” She warned that sustained increases could reduce purchasing power, particularly for low-income and middle-income households.
According to National Bureau of Statistics data, Nigeria's headline inflation rate stood at 15.43 per cent and food inflation at 20.31 per cent. Higher energy and transportation costs could add further pressure if the fuel price shock persists.
Olatide Jeremiah, Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, said, “Pump prices could hit ₦1,500 per litre in major cities across Nigeria if the crisis persists.” His assessment was linked to elevated international oil and freight costs.
The immediate outlook will depend heavily on international crude prices, the naira exchange rate, transportation costs and petroleum-product supply. Lower crude prices, a stronger naira and reduced logistics expenses could ease pressure, while continued oil-market disruption could keep domestic fuel prices elevated.
