By Nwoye Bridget Uju
Nigeria’s inflationary pressure on transport fuels intensified in April 2026, as the average pump price of petrol rose to N1,288.54 per litre, while diesel climbed to N1,648.08 per litre, according to the latest Price Watch report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The data, covering Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), shows a sharp month-on-month increase in prices across states and geopolitical zones, underscoring persistent energy cost pressures that continue to drive up transportation and production costs nationwide.
An analysis of state by state pricing reveals significant disparities. Anambra State recorded the highest average petrol price at N1,441.22 per litre, followed by Sokoto at N1,377.55 and Borno at N1,375.16. In contrast, Lagos posted the lowest average at N1,162.71, with Ogun and Kaduna also ranking among the least expensive.
At the regional level, the North-East recorded the highest average petrol price at N1,336.50 per litre, while the South-West posted the lowest at N1,232.46. A similar pattern was observed in diesel pricing, with the South-East recording the highest average at N1,730.14 per litre, while the North-Central zone had the lowest at N1,593.11.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) attributed the fluctuations to prevailing market realities under the deregulated petroleum regime.
A petrol station manager, Mr. Gilbert Udeani, explained that fuel prices are no longer fixed but are influenced by international oil prices, exchange rates, and distribution costs, noting that current trends reflect the direct impact of these market forces.
Commercial transport operators say the surge has forced them to increase fares in order to remain in business. Chairman of Nawfia Afor Market, Mr. Ugochukwu Udeh, noted that transport fares have doubled in some cases, placing additional strain on both operators and commuters.
He stressed that fuel remains central to Nigeria’s economy, adding that increases in its price inevitably affect food costs, manufacturing, and service delivery. According to him, if the upward trend persists, inflationary pressures will continue to mount.
With fuel prices maintaining an upward trajectory, many Nigerians face growing uncertainty as rising transport costs further compound the broader cost of living crisis.
*Bridget is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
