The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has published its latest petrol price report for March 2026, revealing that the average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) rose to N1,288.54. This represents a 2.13% increase compared to N1,261.65 recorded in March 2025. On a month-on-month basis, the average retail price surged by 22.55% from N1,051.47 in February 2026.
Top 10 States with Highest Petrol Prices
According to the NBS report, Anambra State recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,441.22. This was followed by Sokoto with N1,377.55 and Borno with N1,375.16. Other states with high prices include Cross River (N1,365.02), Yobe (N1,362.05), Katsina (N1,356.41), Adamawa (N1,350.73), Kebbi (N1,337.26), Gombe (N1,334.83), and Niger (N1,328.42).
Top 10 States with Lowest Petrol Prices
Conversely, Lagos State recorded the lowest average retail price at N1,162.71. It was followed by Ogun (N1,169.78) and Kaduna (N1,193.40). Other states with relatively lower prices include Nasarawa (N1,213.80), Kogi (N1,217.24), Kwara (N1,224.28), Ekiti (N1,246.16), Abia (N1,247.84), Rivers (N1,247.84), and Bayelsa (N1,252.48).
Zonal Analysis
On a zonal basis, the North-East geopolitical zone recorded the highest average retail price at N1,336.50, while the South-West zone recorded the lowest at N1,232.46. This disparity highlights the regional variations in fuel pricing across the country.
NNPC Increases Petrol Prices
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has also increased the pump price of petrol in Lagos and Abuja, citing higher supply costs in the downstream sector. As of April 30, 2026, NNPCL stations in Lagos sell petrol at N1,320 per litre, up from N1,245. In Abuja, the price rose to N1,364 per litre from N1,295, marking an increase of N69 per litre. The new rates have been implemented at several NNPCL outlets across the Federal Capital Territory, including locations in Gwarimpa, Kubwa Expressway, Wuse Zone 6, and Zone 4.
Dangote Refinery Price Hike
This latest surge follows a recent price adjustment by the Dangote Refinery, which increased its ex-depot price by N75 to N1,275 per litre from N1,200. The refinery linked the hike to rising global crude oil prices, which have recently climbed above $115 per barrel. This development underscores how increases in crude oil and supply costs are being passed down to consumers, adding more pressure on households already dealing with high energy expenses.
