Petroleum marketers have increased petrol pump prices by as much as N39 per litre, reversing a brief period of declining fuel costs and adding fresh financial pressure on consumers already grappling with a high cost of living. The adjustment, observed across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos, saw MRS filling stations—backed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery—raise their pump price from N1,370 to N1,409 per litre, according to checks by Legit.ng.
Price Adjustments Across Abuja and Lagos
The new rate was applied at MRS outlets in Kubwa, Katampe, Gwarimpa, and several other parts of the capital. AA Rano and Ranoil also increased their prices by N10 per litre, moving from N1,400 to N1,410. An NNPC Retail outlet in Azhata, Jikwoyi District, adjusted its price from N1,380 to N1,405 per litre, while AA Rano and AYM Shafa stations moved in the same direction, raising their rates from N1,380 to N1,409 per litre, as reported by Vanguard.
In Lagos, some filling stations in Ikorodu sold petrol at N1,360 per litre, while outlets in Coker, Orile, and Second Rainbow retailed the product at N1,350 per litre. Independent marketers in the state charged between N1,360 and N1,400 per litre, depending on location. These upward adjustments came amid rising global crude oil prices, which traders and marketers have linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
NNPC Extends Digital Discount
While pump prices climbed at many outlets, NNPC Limited moved to provide some relief for consumers by extending its N66-per-litre discount until October 31, 2026. The scheme, introduced on October 1 to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, allows customers who pay digitally through the company's mobile application to buy petrol at N1,339 per litre at participating NNPC Retail stations, compared with the regular rate of N1,405.
NNPC said the discount was funded by forgoing its profit margin rather than drawing on public funds and stressed that the move did not signal a return to petrol subsidies. The company said in a statement: “We recognise that higher petrol prices affect everyday life, from the cost of commuting to the expenses of running a business. We understand the strain on families and livelihoods, and this discount is intended to provide direct relief to customers during this difficult period.”
Market Framework and Diesel Price Hike
The company added that the initiative applied only to its retail outlets and did not set a national pump price or alter the market-based pricing framework for petroleum products. NNPC also urged consumers to disregard suggestions that the discount amounted to a restoration of fuel subsidy.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, gantry price from N1,700 to N1,800 per litre. The N100 increase represents a 5.88% rise in the refinery's diesel price and took effect. The revised rate was communicated to customers in a notice from the refinery's Group Commercial Operations.
The petrol price hikes and the diesel increase are likely to affect transportation and production costs across Nigeria, with potential knock-on effects on the prices of goods and services for consumers in the coming weeks.
