Petrol prices in Nigeria have surged, with many stations now selling fuel in the N1,364 to N1,444 per litre range. The move underlines how higher global crude benchmarks are feeding directly into domestic pump costs, tightening already strained household budgets.
Checks conducted on Thursday evening showed that several major marketers—including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, AP (Ardova) and Mobil—raised their retail prices to roughly N1,364 to N1,370 per litre. Other operators, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy and Ranoil, quoted higher rates, with petrol priced between N1,370 and N1,440 per litre.
At a glance
- Most Nigerian filling stations are selling petrol between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre.
- NNPCL, MRS, BOVAS, AP (Ardova) and Mobil were reported at about N1,364–N1,370 per litre.
- AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy and Ranoil were reported at about N1,370–N1,440 per litre.
- Prices are sharply higher than the roughly N900 per litre seen in February 2026.
- Brent and WTI climbed to $111 and $105 per barrel, respectively, amid Middle East tensions.
- Volatility increased after the United Arab Emirates exited OPEC.
The latest retail increases come after a notable jump earlier in the week. The update arrived just about 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot owners lifted their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre, respectively, pointing to a rise in global crude oil costs.
Global oil moves drive the domestic jump
On Friday morning, spot checks indicated that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) had moved higher to $111 and $105 per barrel. The rise was linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel in the Middle East—conditions that have kept traders focused on supply and risk premiums.
Market volatility was also amplified by the recent exit of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Together, these developments have pushed crude prices up and made it harder for domestic pricing to stabilise.
Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, said the global price increase is translating into higher fuel costs at home. He added that while the Dangote Refinery has helped to cushion some of the impact, fluctuations in international crude prices are still affecting the domestic market.
With petrol prices continuing to climb, pressure is mounting for faster government action. The call for intervention comes as Nigerians face worsening economic conditions, and it also coincides with the May Day celebration, when workers are marking the day amid a N70,000 minimum wage and a rising cost of living. Fuel is now approaching the N1,500 per litre mark, adding to concerns about affordability.
