- Nigerians spent 1.44 billion litres of petrol in June, spending an estimated ₦1.3tn.
- Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja topped consumption, while Jigawa recorded the lowest figures.
Nigerians spent ₦1.3tn on petrol in just one month, highlighting the country’s heavy reliance on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), consumption reached 1.44 billion litres in June alone. This figure underscores the financial weight households and businesses face amid an unstable energy system.
Following the subsidy removal two years ago, petrol prices rose significantly. As a result, Nigerians now pay nearly four times more than they once did. Despite Dangote’s refinery cutting costs, petrol still remains a key driver of inflation nationwide.
Data revealed Lagos led consumption with 205.7 million litres, worth ₦185.1bn. Ogun followed with 88.7 million litres, valued at ₦79.8bn, while Abuja consumed 77.5 million litres, amounting to ₦69.8bn. On the other hand, Jigawa recorded the lowest with just 9.4 million litres, worth ₦8.5bn.
At the regional level, the South-West dominated with 452.9 million litres, valued at ₦407.7bn. The North-Central zone came second, recording 247.4 million litres. However, the South-East consumed the least nationwide, at 132.7 million litres, worth ₦119.6bn.
These figures reflect Nigeria’s uneven consumption patterns. Urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano drive demand due to population, vehicle ownership, and economic activity. Conversely, sparsely populated states like Jigawa, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa consume far less.
Interestingly, Aliko Dangote stressed that Nigerians still pay less than their West African neighbours. He revealed that his refinery currently sells at ₦815–₦820 per litre, compared to over ₦1,600 elsewhere. Although this price is lower than in neighbouring countries, many citizens insist it remains too high.
Nigerians spend ₦1.3tn on petrol, but households continue to feel the pressure. Until sustainable alternatives expand, dependence on PMS will keep straining incomes and fuelling inflation.