Nigerians paid an average of N1,596.25 per litre for petrol in May 2026, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This marks a substantial 55.31% increase from N1,027.76 recorded in May 2025, and a 4.13% rise compared to N1,532.93 in April 2026.
States with Highest Petrol Prices
Edo State recorded the highest average retail price at N1,722.91 per litre, followed by Bauchi (N1,715.47) and Benue (N1,698.57). Other states in the top ten were Gombe, Delta, Yobe, Abia, Jigawa, Taraba, and Oyo.
At the regional level, the South-South zone had the most expensive petrol, averaging N1,623.84 per litre, while the North-West recorded the lowest zonal average at N1,564.11 per litre.
On the other hand, Adamawa State had the cheapest price at N1,469.83 per litre, followed by Katsina (N1,470.63) and Sokoto (N1,489.33).
Drivers and Impact
The NBS attributed the price increases to higher supply costs, prevailing market dynamics, and ongoing challenges in product distribution across the country.
The latest surge in petrol prices is expected to further drive up transportation fares, logistics expenses, and the overall cost of living, adding pressure on households and businesses already contending with elevated inflation.
This development highlights the continued strain in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector and its ripple effects on economic activities nationwide.
