Nigerian Fuel Prices Experience Significant Decline in December 2025
The National Bureau of Statistics has released comprehensive data revealing a substantial decrease in petrol prices across Nigeria during December 2025. According to the official report, the average retail price for Premium Motor Spirit dropped by a remarkable 11.81% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Nationwide Price Reduction Statistics
The statistical analysis shows that consumers paid an average of N1,048.63 per litre of petrol in December 2025. This represents a significant year-on-year decline from the N1,189.12 recorded in December 2024. Furthermore, the data indicates a month-on-month decrease of 1.20% from the November 2025 average price of N1,061.35.
This price reduction provided modest but welcome relief to motorists and transportation operators across Nigeria during the festive season. The timing of this decrease proved particularly beneficial for holiday travelers and businesses relying on transportation logistics.
State-by-State Analysis of Petrol Prices
The NBS report provides detailed insights into regional price variations, revealing substantial differences between states. While the national average showed improvement, certain states maintained significantly higher prices than others.
States with Highest Petrol Prices:
- Kogi State recorded the highest average at N1,104.45 per litre
- Imo State followed closely with N1,086.26 per litre
- Yobe State maintained an average of N1,081.80 per litre
Other states with relatively elevated prices included Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Anambra, Kano, and Rivers, all ranging between N1,062.25 and N1,080.06 per litre.
States with Lowest Petrol Prices:
- Oyo State emerged as the most affordable at N996.55 per litre
- Kebbi State followed with N1,003.08 per litre
- Nasarawa State recorded N1,011.05 per litre
Additional states offering relatively economical fuel prices included Enugu, Ogun, Kwara, Ondo, Delta, Edo, and Lagos, with prices ranging from N1,017.28 to N1,030.77 per litre.
Geopolitical Zone Price Variations
The NBS data further breaks down pricing trends across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, revealing interesting regional patterns in fuel costs.
- The North East region recorded the highest zonal average at N1,073.67 per litre
- The South East followed with N1,049.26 per litre
- The South South region averaged N1,048.27 per litre
- The North West recorded N1,046.29 per litre
- The North Central region stood at N1,045.74 per litre
- The South West, which includes Lagos State where the Dangote Refinery is situated, recorded the lowest zonal average at N1,029.51 per litre
This regional analysis highlights how geographical location and infrastructure factors continue to influence fuel pricing across Nigeria's diverse economic landscape.
Context and Market Developments
The price reduction comes against a backdrop of ongoing market adjustments and refinery developments in Nigeria. Recent reports indicate that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited had previously increased petrol prices, with rates reaching N892 per litre in Lagos just prior to this December decline.
Market observers note that the current pricing landscape reflects complex interactions between international crude oil markets, domestic refining capacity, distribution logistics, and regional economic factors. The presence of the Dangote Refinery in Lagos appears to contribute to the South West region's relatively lower fuel prices compared to other zones.
This comprehensive data from the National Bureau of Statistics provides valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and consumers navigating Nigeria's evolving energy market. The significant price reduction represents positive news for Nigeria's transportation sector and broader economy as 2025 concluded.
