Diesel price jumps 43% year on year as Nigerians pay more in April 2026 – NBS
By Aboki Forex —
Nigerians paid significantly more for diesel in April 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly called diesel, stood at N2,474.69 per litre. That represents a 43.67% increase from N1,722.45 recorded in April 2025.
On a month on month basis, the jump was even steeper. The average price rose by 50.16% from N1,648.08 recorded in March 2026. The figures are contained in the latest Diesel Price Watch report released by the NBS.
Highest and lowest diesel prices by state
State level data showed wide disparities. Niger recorded the highest average diesel price at N2,818.94 per litre. Bayelsa followed closely at N2,754.06, while Jigawa came third at N2,704.76.
Abia recorded the lowest average diesel price at N2,180.28. Kwara and Zamfara also posted relatively low prices at N2,192.70 and N2,269.14 respectively.
Other states with high diesel prices include Akwa Ibom at N2,694.22, Kaduna at N2,693.17, Borno at N2,684.95, Adamawa at N2,655.30, Ondo at N2,640.10, Bauchi at N2,603.00, and Anambra at N2,570.56.
States with lower prices include Nassarawa at N2,279.68, Kogi at N2,309.76, Ebonyi at N2,337.36, Cross River at N2,342.41, Imo at N2,405.59, Kano at N2,409.34, and Oyo at N2,418.99.
Regional breakdown: North East pays most, North West least
By zone, the North East recorded the highest average diesel price at N2,603.00 per litre. The North West posted the lowest average price at N2,409.34.
Dangote refinery reverses price cut
Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reversed its earlier diesel price reduction. The company increased the ex depot price from N1,600 per litre to N1,700 per litre. The revised price took effect from May 27, 2026. The move marks a swift turnaround from the previous downward adjustment that had raised hopes of lower costs for businesses and transport operators.
Global oil prices have also surged. Brent crude rose more than 8% to trade above $103 per barrel on Monday. The price crossed the psychologically important $100 threshold for the first time since last week, when prices briefly surged past $111 per barrel. The spike followed former US President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval blockade targeting Iran, raising fears of supply disruption across international energy markets.
Source: Legit.ng