Nigerians spent approximately N1.3 trillion on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in June 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The report revealed that total petrol consumption across the country reached 1.44 billion litres, reflecting the nation’s heavy reliance on the fuel for transportation and electricity generation amid persistent power supply challenges
According to the report as cited by Punch, Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, emerged as the largest consumers.
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Lagos alone consumed 205.7 million litres, worth about N185.1 billion, while Ogun and the FCT recorded 88.7 million litres (N79.8 billion) and 77.5 million litres (N69.8 billion) respectively. Oyo State followed with 72.8 million litres valued at N65.5 billion.
Conversely, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Bayelsa consumed the least petrol in June, with allocations ranging from 9.4 million litres (N8.5 billion) in Jigawa to 11.9 million litres (N10.7 billion) in Bayelsa.
Regional data indicated that the South-West led consumption with 452.9 million litres (N407.7 billion), while the South-East had the lowest, consuming 132.7 million litres valued at N119.6 billion.
Other notable zones included the North-Central (247.4 million litres, N222.4 billion), North-West (230 million litres, N207 billion), and North-East (152.8 million litres, N137.5 billion).
The figures illustrate an uneven distribution of petrol usage, largely influenced by population density, vehicle ownership, and industrial activity.
Urban hubs such as Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Oyo, and Kano dominated demand, whereas sparsely populated states recorded lower consumption.
Highlighting the impact of domestic refining, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, noted that Nigerians currently pay about 55% of what other West African countries pay for PMS, thanks to local refining operations.
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He explained that petrol from his refinery is sold between N815 and N820 per litre, significantly cheaper than neighbouring countries where prices average $1 per litre (~N1,600).
The surge in petrol prices followed the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, when prices jumped from an average of N200 per litre to above N1,200.
Since then, the Dangote refinery has implemented multiple price cuts, bringing rates below N900 per litre, although some Nigerians advocate for prices between N200 and N500 to curb inflation.
Image Credit: Business News Nigeria
