Petrol Prices Jump by N29 Per Litre in Abuja, Lagos Despite Government Relief Efforts

According to Vanguard, motorists in Abuja and Lagos are facing fresh pressure at the pumps as petroleum marketers have increased petrol prices by as much as N29 per litre, despite the Federal Government’s efforts to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on Nigerians.

Checks across Abuja on Sunday showed that AA Rano and AYM Shafa raised their pump prices to N1,409 per litre from N1,380 recorded last week.

An NNPC Retail station in Azhata, Jikwoyi District, also increased its price from N1,380 to N1,405 per litre, while MRS, a retail partner of Dangote Refinery, raised its price from N1,370 to N1,405 per litre.

The increases mean motorists must now spend more to fill their tanks, adding to the cost of daily commuting and running businesses.

In Lagos, prices varied across different locations. Some filling stations in Ikorodu sold petrol at N1,360 per litre, while outlets in Coker, Orile and Second Rainbow charged N1,350. Independent marketers sold the product for between N1,360 and N1,400 per litre.

The price adjustments came despite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s decision to extend its N66-per-litre discount until October 31, 2026.

The initiative, introduced on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, allows customers who pay digitally through the NNPC mobile application to purchase petrol at N1,339 per litre at participating NNPC Retail stations, compared with the regular price of N1,405.

The Federal Government has clarified that the discount is funded through NNPC Retail’s decision to forgo its profit margin and does not amount to a return to fuel subsidy.

Rising global crude oil prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict have continued to put pressure on domestic petrol prices, contributing to the latest increases.

In a statement, NNPC acknowledged how the rising costs affect ordinary Nigerians, particularly households and business owners already struggling with expenses.

“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,” the company said.

However, the company stressed that the discount applies only to its retail outlets and does not establish a uniform price nationwide.

“The initiative applies to NNPC Retail outlets and does not establish a uniform national pump price or alter the market-based pricing framework applicable to petroleum products,” it stated.

NNPC urged Nigerians not to mistake the initiative for a restoration of fuel subsidy, adding that it remained committed to reliable fuel supply and cooperation with the government to ease the impact of rising prices.

For motorists, the latest increases mean that the temporary relief offered by the discount may not translate into lower prices at every filling station, as pump prices continue to vary by location and retailer.

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