In a move that brings a wave of relief to consumers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has implemented a significant reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across its nationwide retail network. This adjustment, effective from early January 2026, positions the federal capital, Abuja, as one of the most affordable major markets for fuel in the country.
Price Breakdown: Relief in Major Cities, Disparities Persist
The new pricing structure shows a notable drop in key economic hubs. In Abuja, petrol now sells for N815 per litre, making it one of the cheapest locations. Residents of Lagos will pay N785 per litre, which represents a substantial decrease of N35 from the previous rate of N840. This trend of moderation is seen in several other states.
Other regions with relatively moderate prices include Edo, Ogun, and Oyo at N790 per litre. Osun and Rivers states recorded a price of N795, while Ondo sells at N797. In the South-South, Delta and Bayelsa are priced at N800 and N805 respectively, and Anambra and Enugu in the South-East sell at N810 per litre.
Supply Dynamics and Competitive Pressure from Dangote
Industry analysts attribute this positive development primarily to improved supply dynamics and heightened competition, notably from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The refinery has maintained a consistent ex-gantry price of N699 per litre for PMS, which has alleviated significant pressure on the domestic market and provided a benchmark that compelled other players, including the NNPC, to adjust their rates to remain competitive.
In a related development, the management of Dangote Refinery has forcefully dismissed rumours of an imminent shutdown of its 650,000 barrels-per-day facility in Lagos. Executive Director Edwin Devakumar clarified that there are no plans to shut down the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC) unit, describing such reports as inaccurate.
Persistent High Prices in Northern and Eastern Regions
Despite the overall reduction, the price adjustment has not been uniform, revealing stark regional disparities. Several states, particularly in the North and South-East, continue to grapple with significantly higher costs.
Gombe State recorded the highest price nationwide at a staggering N965 per litre. It was closely followed by Niger at N955 and Zamfara at N945. Other northern states with elevated prices include Bauchi (N915), Kaduna (N825), Plateau (N825), and Sokoto (N825).
In the South-South and South-East, prices remain around the N900 mark for many. Akwa Ibom and Cross River sell at N910 per litre, Ebonyi at N908, while Abia and Imo are priced at N905. Kwara and Nasarawa states recorded N850 per litre.
This latest price revision by the NNPC is seen as a direct response to market forces and offers a hopeful start to the new year for millions of Nigerian households and businesses burdened by high energy costs. The role of domestic refining capacity, as demonstrated by the Dangote facility, is underscored as a critical factor in achieving price stability in the downstream petroleum sector.
