By Muhammad Mamman
Nigerians spent more than 1.3 trillion naira ($870m) on petrol in June alone, as soaring fuel prices continue to squeeze households and businesses already grappling with inflation and power shortages.
Figures released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that the country consumed 1.44 billion litres of petrol in June, with most of it powering vehicles and private generators due to Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply.
Lagos tops consumption
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub of more than 20 million people, was the single largest consumer, using 205.7 million litres worth 185.1 billion naira ($123m).
Neighbouring Ogun State followed with 88.7 million litres (79.8bn naira), while the capital, Abuja, consumed 77.5 million litres (69.8bn naira). Oyo ranked fourth with 72.8 million litres (65.5bn naira).
At the bottom of the list, Jigawa received just 9.4 million litres (8.5bn naira), Ebonyi 10.5 million litres (9.5bn naira), Yobe 11.7 million litres (10.5bn naira), and Bayelsa 11.9 million litres (10.7bn naira).
Regional breakdown
The South-West recorded the highest regional fuel use, consuming 452.9 million litres worth 407.7bn naira, led by Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo. Excluding those states, Osun received 35.5 million litres (31.9bn naira), Ondo 35.1 million litres (31.5bn naira), and Ekiti 15.3 million litres (13.7bn naira).
The North-Central ranked second with 247.4 million litres (222.4bn naira). Abuja topped the zone, followed by Niger (36.6bn naira), Kwara (31.3bn naira), and Benue (23.1bn naira).
In the North-West, residents consumed 230 million litres (207bn naira). Kano led with 61.4bn naira, while Jigawa had the lowest nationwide.
The South-South zone used 224.9 million litres (202.9bn naira), with Delta leading at 61.6bn naira. Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River followed, while Bayelsa was among the lowest consumers.
In the North-East, 152.8 million litres were consumed, valued at 137.5bn naira. Adamawa recorded the highest at 51.2bn naira, while Yobe was the lowest.
The South-East posted the lowest figures nationwide: 132.7 million litres (119.6bn naira). Anambra led with 40.5 million litres, while Ebonyi trailed at 10.5 million litres.
Strain on households
Analysts say the figures highlight the growing dependence on petrol as a substitute for power, amid frequent blackouts from the national grid.
Critics argue that rising fuel costs — exacerbated since the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023 — have deepened economic hardship, driving up transport fares, food prices, and the cost of doing business.
