Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
In late September 2026, diesel (AGO) in Nigeria costs roughly ₦1,830 to ₦2,020 per litre at the pump. A fuel-price tracker put the national average at ₦1,832 per litre on 28 September, while filling stations in Abuja were selling at ₦2,000–₦2,020 in early September. Dangote Refinery’s gantry (ex-depot) price has been ₦1,850 per litre since 4 September 2026.
Diesel, sold as automotive gas oil (AGO), is fully deregulated in Nigeria. There is no single government price. Each depot and filling station sets its own rate, and prices can change several times in one month. This page lists the latest prices we could confirm, with the date and source of each one. It also explains why your local price may differ and how businesses can manage the cost.
Diesel price per litre in Nigeria today
These are the most recent published figures as of 28 September 2026. Pump prices are what motorists and generator owners pay. Depot and gantry prices are what marketers pay before transport and retail margins are added.
| Price point | Price per litre | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| National average (pump) | ₦1,832 | 28 Sep 2026 | DailyFuels tracker |
| Abuja filling stations (AA Rano, Empire Energy, Ranoil) | ₦2,000 – ₦2,020 | 4 Sep 2026 | Legit.ng |
| Dangote Refinery gantry price | ₦1,850 | From 4 Sep 2026 | Legit.ng |
| Lagos depots (Obat, Duport, T.Time, Ibeto, Ibachem) | ₦1,790 | 4 Sep 2026 | Legit.ng |
| Warri depots (Matrix; Prudent; Rain Oil) | ₦2,000; ₦1,940; ₦1,940 | 23 Sep 2026 | Naija News |
| Port Harcourt depot (Masters) | ₦1,900 | 23 Sep 2026 | Naija News |
Sources: DailyFuels (28 Sep 2026), Legit.ng (3 and 6 Sep 2026), Naija News (23 Sep 2026). Depot prices exclude transport and dealer margins.
The pattern is clear. Depot prices sat between about ₦1,790 and ₦2,000 in September. Pump prices were higher again, depending on the city and how far the product had to travel.
How the price has moved in 2026
Dangote Refinery raised its diesel gantry price twice in quick succession. It went from ₦1,670 to ₦1,750 per litre, then from ₦1,750 to ₦1,850 from midnight on Friday, 4 September 2026. That is ₦180 per litre added across both increases, according to Legit.ng. Many depots followed, and Abuja pump prices crossed ₦2,000.
Later in the month the direction eased. On 23 September, Naija News reported depot cuts in Warri and Port Harcourt, with Matrix down ₦50 to ₦2,000 and Masters in Port Harcourt down ₦35 to ₦1,900. It noted that diesel fell more than petrol in that round.
| Date (2026) | What changed | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Before early Sep | Dangote gantry raised from ₦1,670 | ₦1,750 |
| 4 Sep | Dangote gantry raised by ₦100 | ₦1,850 |
| 4 Sep | Lagos depots cut to undercut Dangote | ₦1,790 |
| 4 Sep | Abuja pump prices | ₦2,000 – ₦2,020 |
| 23 Sep | Warri and Port Harcourt depot cuts | ₦1,900 – ₦2,000 |
| 28 Sep | Tracker national pump average | ₦1,832 |
Sources: Legit.ng, Naija News, DailyFuels. We have not included older annual figures because we could not verify them.
What about the NNPC diesel price today?
NNPC Ltd retail stations sell diesel, but we did not find an official NNPC diesel pump price published for September 2026. The price at an NNPC station is set locally, like other stations, and is usually close to nearby competitors. The quickest check is to call or visit your nearest NNPC station, or look at the pump display before you queue.
There is also no current official monthly survey. The National Bureau of Statistics used to publish a monthly Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) Price Watch with state-by-state averages, but the latest edition listed in its e-library is for October 2024. Until it resumes, news reports of depot prices and tracker sites are the best guide.
Why diesel costs more in some cities
- Distance from the depot. Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt have depots nearby. Stations in Abuja and the North pay extra for trucking, which shows up in the pump price.
- Depot competition. When Dangote raised its gantry price to ₦1,850, several Lagos depots sold at ₦1,790 instead. Buying from the cheapest depot can save ₦50 or more per litre.
- Exchange rate and crude prices. Diesel is priced off international markets, so a weaker naira or higher crude pushes the price up.
- Volume. Bulk buyers negotiate below the pump price. Small buyers pay the full retail rate.
- Scarcity. Supply disruptions can add a premium within days.
What a litre of diesel costs you in practice
At the ₦1,832 national average, here is roughly what common purchases cost. Use your local price for a closer figure.
| Quantity | Typical use | Cost at ₦1,832/L | Cost at ₦2,020/L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 litres | Jerrycan for a home generator | ₦45,800 | ₦50,500 |
| 50 litres | Small office generator for a few days | ₦91,600 | ₦101,000 |
| 200 litres | One drum | ₦366,400 | ₦404,000 |
| 1,000 litres | Small business tank | ₦1,832,000 | ₦2,020,000 |
Calculated by Travo.ng from the prices above. Delivery charges are extra.
For trips, our fuel cost calculator guide and mileage cost calculator show how to turn a per-litre price into a trip budget.
How diesel prices affect logistics and haulage
Most trucks, buses, delivery vans and backup generators in Nigeria run on diesel, so its price feeds straight into haulage quotes, bus fares and the cost of goods. When diesel rises by ₦100 a litre, a truck that burns several hundred litres on an interstate run costs tens of thousands of naira more per trip. That is why haulage rates and waybill charges often change within weeks of a depot price move. Our truck price guide covers the vehicle side of the budget.
How to cut your diesel costs
- Compare depot prices before bulk buying. In September the gap between depots was over ₦200 per litre.
- Buy in bulk with a supply agreement if you use more than a few drums a month.
- Service generators and trucks regularly. Dirty filters and injectors waste fuel.
- Avoid idling and plan loads so trucks do not run half-empty.
- Plan routes to avoid gridlock, which burns fuel without moving.
- Use a reliable delivery service so you are not forced into panic-buying at a premium.
Need diesel, gas or water delivered?
Request a utilities delivery on Travo for your home, site or business, or message us on WhatsApp for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a litre of diesel in Nigeria today?
In late September 2026, most pump prices sit between about ₦1,830 and ₦2,020 per litre. A tracker put the national average at ₦1,832 on 28 September, and Abuja stations were selling at ₦2,000–₦2,020 in early September.
What is Dangote’s diesel price?
Dangote Refinery’s diesel gantry price has been ₦1,850 per litre since midnight on 4 September 2026, after a ₦100 increase from ₦1,750. This is an ex-depot price for marketers, not a pump price.
What is the NNPC diesel price today?
We did not find an official NNPC diesel pump price for September 2026. NNPC stations price diesel locally, so check the pump display at your nearest station.
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?
Diesel is fully market-priced and tracks international prices and the exchange rate. The tracker figure of ₦1,832 per litre on 28 September 2026 was 36.6% above its petrol average.
Why is diesel cheaper in Lagos than in Abuja?
Lagos has several depots close by, while Abuja stations pay for long-distance trucking. In early September, Lagos depots sold at ₦1,790 while Abuja pumps charged ₦2,000 or more.
Does the government publish an official diesel price?
No. Diesel is deregulated. The NBS used to publish a monthly diesel price survey, but the most recent edition in its e-library is October 2024.
Related guides
- Fuel calculator in Nigeria: estimate your fuel costs
- Petrol calculator: plan fuel costs before you travel
- Emergency petrol delivery in Nigeria
- Book a van or truck anywhere in Nigeria
- Travo haulage services
Sources: DailyFuels Nigeria (28 Sep 2026); Legit.ng (6 Sep 2026); Legit.ng (3 Sep 2026); Naija News (23 Sep 2026); NBS e-library. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
