Nigerians paid significantly more for petrol in May 2026, with the average pump price climbing over 55% compared to the same month last year.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows the average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit reached N1,596.25 per litre. That’s up from N1,027.76 in May 2025, marking a 55.31% year-on-year increase.
On a monthly basis, prices also edged higher. May’s average was N63.32 more than April’s N1,532.93 per litre, a 4.13% month-on-month rise. The NBS links the sustained pressure to global market volatility tied to Middle East tensions and disruptions in international energy supply chains.
The pain isn’t spread evenly across states. Edo topped the chart at N1,722.91 per litre, followed by Bauchi at N1,715.47 and Benue at N1,698.57. The cheapest fuel was found in Adamawa at N1,469.83, with Katsina at N1,470.63 and Sokoto at N1,489.33.
Regionally, the South-South recorded the highest zonal average at N1,623.84 per litre. The North-West was lowest at N1,564.11.
Fuel marketers say the volatility stems from a mix of higher depot prices, supply gaps, increased haulage costs, and foreign exchange challenges that raise import and distribution expenses.
Because fuel costs ripple through transport, logistics, and food prices, the hike adds more strain to household budgets nationwide.
