The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that Nigerians paid an average of N1,532.93 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, in April 2026. This represents a significant increase of 23.69% compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in April 2025. On a month-on-month basis, the price surged by 18.97% from N1,288.54 in March 2026.
State-Level Price Variations
According to the latest petroleum price watch report from the NBS, petrol prices varied widely across Nigerian states. Yobe State recorded the highest average retail price at N1,599.05 per litre, followed closely by Edo State at N1,595.74 and Bauchi State at N1,589.07. Other states with high prices include Delta (N1,588.86), Gombe (N1,586.62), Akwa Ibom (N1,585.60), Benue (N1,582.75), Taraba (N1,581.31), Plateau (N1,580.79), and Kano (N1,579.30).
On the lower end, Niger State recorded the cheapest average price at N1,403.89 per litre, followed by Sokoto (N1,404.16), Katsina (N1,406.28), Adamawa (N1,417.58), Enugu (N1,430.18), Kogi (N1,474.31), Borno (N1,476.12), Lagos (N1,486.17), Kebbi (N1,501.03), and Cross River (N1,514.14).
Zonal Analysis
Breaking down the data by geopolitical zones, the South-South recorded the highest average petrol price at N1,566.76 per litre. The North East followed with N1,541.62, while the South West averaged N1,535.71. The North Central zone posted N1,525.45, the South East N1,522.77, and the North West recorded the lowest average at N1,508.81.
Crude Oil Market Impact
The rise in petrol prices is attributed to global crude oil market dynamics, particularly escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have pushed international oil benchmarks to fresh highs. Industry data indicates that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) adjusted prices upward across all 37 Nigerian crude streams, with major export grades recording significant gains. Nigeria's flagship Bonny Light crude increased by approximately $6.13 per barrel compared to April levels, while Forcados crude rose by about $7.01 per barrel.
Recent Price Adjustments
Earlier reports from Legit.ng noted that NNPCL retail outlets had reduced the cost of petrol. This came three days after Dangote Refinery lowered its petrol gantry price by N85 to N1,200 per litre from N1,285. Subsequently, petrol was sold at N1,255 per litre, down from N1,330, representing a reduction of N75. However, the April 2026 data reflects the prevailing prices during that month, which were influenced by the global crude oil surge.
