Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Diesel in Nigeria sells for roughly ₦1,800 to ₦2,020 per litre at the pump in September 2026. On 5 September PM News reported Abuja retail prices of ₦2,000 to ₦2,020 after the Dangote refinery raised its gantry price by ₦100 to ₦1,850 and depots moved to about ₦1,900. The tracker DailyFuels put the national pump average at ₦1,834 on 27 September. Prices vary by city and filling station, so check locally before you buy in bulk.
Diesel (automotive gas oil, or AGO) runs Nigeria’s trucks, buses, generators, farm machinery and factories. When it moves, transport fares, haulage rates and the price of food follow. This page tracks where diesel prices stand in 2026, why they change, and what you can do to manage the cost.
Diesel price in Nigeria today (September 2026)
| Price point | Price per litre | Date and source |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja and nearby areas, retail | ₦2,000 to ₦2,020 | 5 Sep 2026, PM News survey |
| Retail before the September rise | ₦1,700 to ₦1,800 | PM News, 5 Sep 2026 |
| Depots (Ranoil Delta, NIPCO Warri, Prudent Oghara, Zamson) | About ₦1,900 | PM News, 5 Sep 2026 |
| Dangote refinery gantry | ₦1,850 (after a ₦100 rise) | PM News, 5 Sep 2026 |
| National pump average (tracker) | ₦1,834 | DailyFuels, updated 27 Sep 2026 |
We could not verify separate September 2026 retail figures for Lagos, Port Harcourt or Kano from a named source; check with your local station or supplier.
How diesel prices moved in 2026
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 26 May 2026 | Dangote cut its diesel gantry price from ₦1,800 to ₦1,600 per litre as imported cargoes arrived under new import licences and Brent crude eased from $98.04 to $95.05 a barrel (Vanguard). |
| Early July 2026 | Nairametrics reported that Dangote had reduced its ex-depot diesel price by a cumulative ₦300 per litre since 30 May, alongside petrol cuts that took its petrol gantry price to ₦1,075. |
| Early September 2026 | Prices turned upward. Depots raised prices to about ₦1,900, Dangote raised its gantry price by ₦100 to ₦1,850, and retail rose by ₦220 to ₦300 depending on location, with Brent at $94.74 (PM News). |
Why diesel prices change
- Crude oil prices: diesel is priced off international crude and refined product markets. The September rise came as crude climbed back above $90 a barrel.
- The naira exchange rate: imports and much of the pricing are linked to dollars, so a weaker naira pushes prices up.
- Local refining versus imports: the Dangote refinery’s gantry price now sets a benchmark, but import cargoes compete with it. When imports arrive, prices have tended to ease.
- Marketer pricing: pump prices are set by marketers and differ from station to station and city to city.
- Distance from depots: trucking diesel from coastal depots to inland stations adds transport cost.
- Demand spikes: poor grid supply raises generator use, and harvest or festive periods raise transport demand.
What diesel prices mean for you
Transport fares and delivery rates
Interstate buses and trucks run on diesel, so fares and haulage quotes rise when it does. If you move goods regularly, ask for quotes that explain any fuel surcharge. Our guide to how diesel affects logistics goes deeper.
Generators and businesses
PM News noted that the September rise hits small businesses that depend on diesel generators hardest. A quick way to budget is:
Monthly diesel cost = litres used per hour x hours run per day x days per month x price per litre.
For example (illustrative only), a generator that uses 5 litres an hour, run 8 hours a day for 26 days, uses 1,040 litres. At ₦1,900 a litre that is ₦1,976,000 a month. Use your own generator’s consumption figure from the manual or your records.
Haulage operators
If you run trucks, build a diesel clause into contracts so you can adjust rates when prices move. See how to start a haulage business in Nigeria for costing tips.
How to save on diesel
- Buy in bulk from a reputable supplier when prices dip, if you have safe storage.
- Check the pump meter and ask for a receipt; use trusted stations to avoid short measures and adulterated fuel.
- Service generators and engines regularly; dirty filters waste fuel.
- Plan routes and loads to cut empty trips.
- Compare several suppliers before a large order, and confirm the price per litre includes delivery.
- Consider solar or hybrid power for daytime loads where it makes sense.
Buying diesel in bulk: a quick checklist
- Ask for the price per litre, delivery charge and minimum order in one written quote.
- Confirm the supplier’s registered business name and pay into a company account.
- Check the tanker’s meter or dip your tank before and after offloading.
- Take a small sample and look for water, sediment or unusual colour before you accept the load.
- Store diesel in clean, sealed, clearly labelled tanks away from heat and living areas.
- Keep receipts; they support your tax records and any dispute with the supplier.
Diesel versus petrol
Diesel and petrol follow different markets. In early July 2026 Dangote’s petrol gantry price was ₦1,075 per litre, while diesel retail was far higher by September. For petrol prices, see our fuel price in Abuja page and the petrol cost calculator.
Need diesel, gas or water delivered?
Request a utilities delivery on Travo and get the price before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much is diesel per litre in Nigeria today?
Roughly ₦1,800 to ₦2,020 at the pump in September 2026. Abuja stations sold at ₦2,000 to ₦2,020 on 5 September, and a national tracker put the average at ₦1,834 on 27 September.
What is the price of diesel in Abuja today?
PM News reported ₦2,000 to ₦2,020 per litre in Abuja and surrounding areas on 5 September 2026. Check your local station, as prices change often.
What is Dangote’s diesel price?
Dangote’s gantry (ex-depot) price was ₦1,850 per litre after a ₦100 increase reported on 5 September 2026. Gantry prices are what marketers pay; pump prices are higher.
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol in Nigeria?
They are priced in different markets. International diesel prices, the exchange rate and supply to depots all feed into it.
Will diesel prices fall?
Nobody can promise that. Prices fell in May and June 2026 when import cargoes arrived and crude eased, then rose in September as crude climbed. Watch crude prices, the naira and refinery announcements.
Where can I check official fuel price data?
The National Bureau of Statistics publishes periodic diesel price watch reports, and reputable outlets such as Nairametrics, Vanguard and PM News report depot and refinery price changes.
Related guides
- Diesel price in Nigeria and how it affects logistics
- Petrol calculator for Nigeria
- How to start a haulage business
- Refrigerated truck services in Nigeria
Sources: PM News, 5 September 2026; Vanguard, May 2026; Nairametrics, 3 July 2026; DailyFuels Nigeria tracker, 27 September 2026. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
