The average retail price of petrol in Nigeria rose to ₦1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, reflecting continued pressure on fuel costs across the country, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest figures show a sharp increase from ₦1,288.54 recorded in March, representing an 18.97 per cent jump in just one month. Compared to April 2025, when petrol sold at ₦1,239.33 per litre, the current price reflects a 23.69 per cent year-on-year rise.
The report, contained in the NBS Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April, highlights how uneven fuel pricing continues to affect consumers across different states.
On a state-by-state basis, Yobe recorded the highest average petrol price at ₦1,599.05 per litre, followed closely by Edo at ₦1,595.74 and Bauchi at ₦1,589.07. On the lower end, Niger recorded ₦1,403.89, while Sokoto and Katsina also posted relatively lower averages.
Regionally, the South-South maintained the highest average petrol price at ₦1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West recorded the lowest at ₦1,508.81.
The report also showed a more severe pressure in the diesel market. The average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) rose to ₦2,474.69 per litre in April, up from ₦1,648.06 in March a staggering 50.16 per cent month-on-month increase.
On a year-on-year basis, diesel prices rose by 43.67 per cent compared to ₦1,722.45 recorded in April 2025.
State breakdown showed Nasarawa recording the highest diesel price at ₦2,818.94 per litre, followed by Ebonyi at ₦2,754.06 and Taraba at ₦2,704.76. Kebbi posted the lowest at ₦2,180.28 per litre.
By region, the North-East recorded the highest diesel average at ₦2,603 per litre, while the North-West recorded the lowest at ₦2,409.34 per litre.
Analysts attribute the persistent rise in fuel prices to global crude oil pressures and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which have tightened global energy supply and pushed up crude benchmarks