Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
As of mid-to-late September 2026, a litre of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria costs roughly ₦1,350 to ₦1,400 at most major filling stations in Lagos and Ogun. Dangote Refinery raised its gantry (loading) price to ₦1,350 per litre on 12 September 2026, and MRS stations in Lagos moved to about ₦1,395. Prices in the North, the South-South and remote areas are usually higher because of transport costs.
Petrol prices in Nigeria now move with crude oil, the naira exchange rate and the pricing decisions of Dangote Refinery and the big marketers. Since the subsidy was removed in 2023, there is no single official pump price, so the figure you pay depends on the brand of station, the state you are in and the week you buy. This guide brings together the latest prices we could confirm, the official NBS averages and what the changes mean for transport and delivery costs.
Petrol price per litre in Nigeria today (September 2026)
The table shows pump prices reported by filling-station checks on 12–13 September 2026, straight after Dangote’s latest increase. Stations that had not yet adjusted, such as the Bovas outlet in the list, usually catch up within days.
| Station / marketer | Location | Price per litre (₦) | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangote Refinery (gantry price to marketers) | Refinery loading price | 1,350 (was 1,265) | 12 Sep 2026 |
| MRS (Dangote partner) | Alapere, Lagos | 1,395 (was 1,310) | 12 Sep 2026 |
| Mobil | Alapere, Lagos | 1,385 | 12 Sep 2026 |
| NNPC Retail | Ibafo, Ogun | 1,380 | 12 Sep 2026 |
| Matrix Energy | Kara, Ogun | 1,360 | 12 Sep 2026 |
| Bovas (not yet adjusted) | Not stated | 1,280 | 13 Sep 2026 |
Source: Legit.ng filling-station checks, 13 September 2026; gantry price confirmed by Information Nigeria, 12 September 2026.
We could not confirm a fresh September 2026 NNPC pump price for Abuja or Port Harcourt from a source we were able to open. NBS data (below) shows that average prices can differ by about ₦250 per litre between states, so check the board at your nearest station before you plan a long trip.
How petrol prices have moved in 2026
2026 has been a volatile year. Petrol was far cheaper at the start of the year than it is now, then rose sharply in the second quarter, eased back, and has climbed again since late August.
| Period | Price per litre (₦) | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| 9 February 2026 | 819.50 | GlobalPetrolPrices national snapshot |
| April 2026 | 1,532.93 | NBS national average retail price |
| May 2026 | 1,596.25 | NBS national average retail price (up 55.31% on May 2025) |
| 20–21 August 2026 | 1,165 | Dangote gantry price |
| 29 August 2026 | 1,265 | Dangote gantry price |
| 12 September 2026 | 1,350 | Dangote gantry price |
Sources: GlobalPetrolPrices (Feb 2026); NBS figures as reported by The Whistler (24 June 2026); gantry sequence from The Rio Times (14 September 2026).
The Rio Times counted a cumulative rise of ₦185 per litre (about 15.9%) in Dangote’s gantry price across roughly three weeks, from ₦1,165 to ₦1,350. Dangote said the September increase reflected renewed volatility in crude oil, with Brent trading above $100 a barrel.
Petrol prices by state: highest and lowest (NBS, May 2026)
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) publishes a monthly PMS price watch based on checks across all 774 local government areas. The latest edition we could open covers May 2026, when the national average was ₦1,596.25 per litre.
| Rank | Highest-price states | ₦ per litre | Lowest-price states | ₦ per litre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edo | 1,722.91 | Adamawa | 1,469.83 |
| 2 | Bauchi | 1,715.47 | Katsina | 1,470.63 |
| 3 | Benue | 1,698.57 | Sokoto | 1,489.33 |
Source: NBS PMS Price Watch for May 2026, via The Whistler. By zone, the South-South was highest (₦1,623.84) and the North-West lowest (₦1,564.11).
Prices have fallen since May, so these state averages are higher than today’s pump prices in most places. The pattern is still useful: the gap between the cheapest and dearest states was about ₦250 per litre.
Why the price of petrol keeps changing
- Crude oil prices. Nigerian refiners buy crude at international prices, so a rise in Brent feeds into the gantry price within weeks.
- The naira exchange rate. Crude and imported fuel are priced in dollars, so a weaker naira raises the local price even when crude is steady.
- Dangote and NNPC pricing. Other marketers usually follow when Dangote or NNPC changes price, often within a day or two.
- Distance from the depot. Trucking fuel to the far North, the East or riverine areas adds cost, which is why rural and border towns often pay more.
- Supply disruptions. Depot shortages, strikes or bad roads can cause brief spikes and queues.
What today’s fuel price means for your costs
A quick way to budget is to multiply the litres you need by the pump price. At ₦1,395 per litre:
| Example | Litres | Approximate cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Small car, 40-litre tank from empty | 40 | 55,800 |
| SUV, 70-litre tank from empty | 70 | 97,650 |
| 100 km in a car doing 10 km per litre | 10 | 13,950 |
| Generator using 5 litres a day for 30 days | 150 | 209,250 |
Worked examples at ₦1,395 per litre (MRS Alapere, 12 Sep 2026). Your price will differ by station and state.
For logistics, fuel is one of the biggest running costs. When petrol and diesel rise, dispatch riders, bus operators and haulage firms usually raise fares within weeks. If you move goods often, get a fresh quote before each job rather than relying on last month’s price. Our petrol calculator guide shows how to estimate a trip, and the diesel price guide covers trucks and generators.
How to save money on fuel
- Compare two or three stations on your route; the spread in Lagos on 12 September was over ₦100 per litre.
- Buy before an announced increase reaches your area. Stations that have not adjusted, like the Bovas example above, can be cheaper for a day or two.
- Keep tyres at the right pressure and remove extra weight from the boot.
- Plan trips to avoid peak traffic. Idling in Lagos traffic burns fuel for no distance.
- Service the car on time. A clogged air filter or bad plugs raises consumption.
- Share rides or book a seat on an intercity bus instead of driving alone.
How to avoid fuel scams
- Watch that the pump starts from zero before the attendant begins.
- Ask for a receipt, especially when you pay by transfer.
- Avoid roadside sellers of black-market petrol in jerrycans. Adulterated fuel can damage your engine and is a fire risk.
- If you suspect a station is under-dispensing, report it to the regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), through its official channels.
Need fuel, diesel or gas delivered?
Travo arranges delivery of fuel, diesel, cooking gas and water to homes, sites and businesses, and can connect you with haulage for bulk loads. Tell us the quantity and location for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a litre of fuel in Nigeria today?
In mid-to-late September 2026, most major stations in Lagos and Ogun sold petrol at about ₦1,360 to ₦1,395 per litre, after Dangote raised its gantry price to ₦1,350 on 12 September. Some stations were still at about ₦1,280 before adjusting.
How much is petrol at NNPC stations?
An NNPC Retail station at Ibafo, Ogun State, sold at ₦1,380 per litre on 12 September 2026. NNPC prices differ by state, so check the board at your local station.
What is the Dangote petrol price?
Dangote Refinery’s gantry price, which is what marketers pay to load, rose from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre on 12 September 2026. MRS and other partner stations then sell at a margin above that; MRS at Alapere, Lagos, sold at about ₦1,395.
Which state has the cheapest petrol?
In the NBS May 2026 price watch, Adamawa (₦1,469.83), Katsina (₦1,470.63) and Sokoto (₦1,489.33) had the lowest averages, and Edo (₦1,722.91) had the highest.
Why is fuel more expensive now than in February 2026?
Crude prices rose (Brent went above $100 a barrel in September, according to Dangote) and refiners passed on the higher cost. In February 2026, GlobalPetrolPrices recorded about ₦819.50 per litre.
Will petrol prices come down?
Nobody can say for sure. Prices fell between May and August 2026 and rose again from late August. They mainly follow crude oil prices and the naira.
Related guides
- Fuel price in Abuja today
- Diesel prices in Nigeria: trends and insights
- Fuel calculator: estimate your fuel costs
- Emergency petrol delivery in Nigeria
- Lagos to Abuja by road: bus fares
Sources: Legit.ng station checks (13 Sep 2026); Information Nigeria (12 Sep 2026); The Rio Times (14 Sep 2026); NBS PMS Price Watch May 2026 via The Whistler (24 Jun 2026); GlobalPetrolPrices (9 Feb 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
