NNPC Raises Petrol Price to N945 Per Litre in Abuja and N915 in Lagos – Nigerians Groan Under New Fuel Burden
In yet another blow to the already overburdened Nigerian populace, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across the country. As of this latest development, the new price of petrol stands at N915 per litre in Lagos and N945 per litre in Abuja. This represents a significant increase of N45 and N35 per litre respectively from previous prices.
For residents of Lagos, who previously paid N870 per litre, the new cost adds further strain to transportation expenses, cost of goods, and general living conditions. Meanwhile, in Abuja, the capital city, the price has surged from N910 to N945 per litre, making petrol unaffordable for many everyday citizens.
Private Marketers Also Raise Prices – MRS Now Selling at N925 Per Litre
The increase by NNPC has not occurred in isolation. Private fuel marketers, many of whom operate independently across Nigeria, have also followed suit. One notable example is MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, which operates several petrol stations in Lagos and is known to be linked with the Dangote Refinery.
At MRS stations, the pump price has jumped from N875 per litre to N925 per litre. This adds yet another layer of concern for Nigerians who are already grappling with one of the highest inflation rates in recent history, widespread insecurity, and unemployment.
Dangote Refinery Adjusts Ex-Depot Price to N880 Per Litre
The sudden increase in pump price by both public and private marketers is largely tied to a strategic move by the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, which recently adjusted its ex-depot price to N880 per litre.
The ex-depot price refers to the cost at which petrol is sold to filling stations by depots and refiners. When this price goes up, it almost automatically triggers an increase at the retail level—what Nigerians pay at the pump.
The management of Dangote Refinery confirmed the new pricing structure and stated that it reflects “realities of the current market, logistics challenges, and exchange rate pressures.”
Logistics Revamp: 4,000 CNG-Powered Tankers to Boost Supply
In a related development, on June 15, Dangote Refinery announced the implementation of a comprehensive national logistics strategy aimed at improving the distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria. The strategy includes the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers, a move that is expected to modernize fuel delivery and reduce dependency on diesel-powered trucks.
The refinery stated, “The nationwide logistics plan for petrol and diesel distribution is part of our commitment to ensure consistent fuel supply and reduce costs in the long run.”
While this long-term plan is seen as a positive initiative, the short-term pain of price hikes is what Nigerians are currently battling with.
Nigerians React: Anger, Frustration, and Hopelessness
The announcement of the new petrol prices has been met with a wave of outrage and disappointment among Nigerian citizens, many of whom have taken to social media and radio stations to express their frustrations.
A Lagos-based commercial driver, Tunde Adebayo, lamented, “How are we supposed to survive? Every week, the price of fuel goes up. Our customers cannot pay more, but we have to spend more. It’s a lose-lose situation.”
In Abuja, Halima Musa, a single mother of two who works in a private school, said, “I spend over N2,000 daily on transport now. If it becomes N2,500 or N3,000, I might have to quit my job. It’s not worth it anymore.”
Economic Impact: Inflation, Transportation Costs, and Food Prices Expected to Rise
The increase in petrol prices is likely to trigger another round of economic instability. Petrol is not just a commodity for personal vehicles—it powers transportation, small businesses, generators, and agricultural machines. The effect of any fuel price hike in Nigeria spreads rapidly across every sector.
Experts predict a surge in transport fares, food prices, and production costs in the coming weeks. This is especially concerning at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports Nigeria’s headline inflation rate at over 33%, with food inflation even higher.
Speaking on a popular radio station, financial analyst Dr. Kenneth Okonkwo noted:
“Whenever petrol prices rise, you should expect every other cost to follow. From the yam seller in Gboko to the fish vendor in Calabar, everyone adds a little more to their prices to survive the squeeze. It’s a chain reaction.”
What This Means for Nigerians
The increase in fuel prices underscores several key challenges for Nigeria:
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Continued vulnerability to oil market fluctuations despite being a major oil-producing nation.
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Heavy reliance on imports and foreign exchange, which means that global crude prices and dollar-naira exchange rates directly affect local petrol prices.
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The failure to revive or utilize local refineries effectively, leaving Nigeria at the mercy of private refineries like Dangote's.
While the Dangote Refinery’s entrance into the petroleum supply market was initially celebrated as a potential solution to fuel importation, the reality appears to be more complicated. Nigerians are yet to enjoy lower fuel prices despite the refinery’s promise of “affordable, home-produced fuel.”
Government Silence and Public Confusion
As at the time of this report, no official statement has been issued by the Federal Government or the Ministry of Petroleum Resources regarding the NNPC’s decision to increase fuel prices. This silence has only added to public confusion and anger.
Critics argue that the government has failed to proactively communicate changes, leaving millions of Nigerians to find out about life-altering decisions through social media, unofficial sources, or when they arrive at petrol stations.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “How can NNPC raise the fuel price without a press briefing or policy update? Do they think we are robots? Nigerians deserve respect.”
Is There an End in Sight?
At this point, there is no clear indication of when fuel prices will stabilize—or reduce. With exchange rates still volatile, and refineries still dependent on dollar-denominated purchases of crude, the hope for a cheaper, stable fuel supply appears dim.
However, stakeholders in the petroleum industry believe the CNG initiative from Dangote Refinery may offer some relief in the medium to long term. According to Dangote’s logistics director:
“With 4,000 CNG-powered tankers, we hope to reduce fuel distribution costs by up to 25%. Over time, Nigerians will feel the benefits.”
Final Thoughts
The increase of petrol prices to N945 in Abuja and N915 in Lagos represents yet another chapter in the ongoing struggle for survival faced by millions of Nigerians. As transportation becomes more expensive, food prices surge, and living standards decline, many citizens are calling for urgent intervention—either through policy adjustments, price controls, or subsidy reintroduction.
While the government pushes for economic reform and self-sufficiency through private sector involvement, the average Nigerian continues to ask: “When will we see the benefit of these changes?”
For now, the pump price of fuel remains a symbol of hardship, uncertainty, and the ongoing search for a better future.
