The average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, rose sharply to ₦1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, according to the latest Price Watch report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figure represents an 18.97 per cent increase from the ₦1,288.54 recorded in March, highlighting the continued pressure on fuel consumers across the country.
Petrol Records Major Increase
The NBS report also showed that petrol prices increased by 23.69 per cent on a year-on-year basis, compared to the ₦1,239.33 average recorded in April 2025.
The latest data underscores the impact of rising energy costs on transportation, businesses, and household spending nationwide.
Yobe, Edo Top Petrol Price Chart
State-by-state analysis revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average petrol price at ₦1,599.05 per litre.
Edo followed closely with ₦1,595.74, while Bauchi recorded ₦1,589.07 per litre.
On the other hand, Niger State posted the lowest average retail price at ₦1,403.89 per litre. Sokoto and Katsina followed with ₦1,404.16 and ₦1,406.28 respectively.
South-South Records Highest Regional Cost
Regional analysis showed that the South-South zone recorded the highest average petrol price in April at ₦1,566.76 per litre.
The North-West zone had the lowest average retail price at ₦1,508.81 per litre.
Diesel Price Surges By 50 Per Cent
The NBS also reported a dramatic increase in the price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), which climbed by 50.16 per cent month-on-month.
Diesel rose from an average of ₦1,648.06 per litre in March to ₦2,474.69 per litre in April.
Compared to April 2025, diesel prices increased by 43.67 per cent from ₦1,722.45 per litre.
Nasarawa, Ebonyi Record Highest Diesel Prices
Nasarawa State recorded the highest average diesel price at ₦2,818.94 per litre.
Ebonyi followed at ₦2,754.06, while Taraba recorded ₦2,704.76 per litre.
Kebbi posted the lowest average diesel price at ₦2,180.28 per litre, followed by Kogi at ₦2,192.70 and Katsina at ₦2,269.14.
The North-East zone recorded the highest regional average diesel price at ₦2,603.00 per litre, while the North-West had the lowest at ₦2,409.34.
Global Factors Driving Fuel Costs
Energy analysts attribute the sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The uncertainty surrounding key global oil supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, has contributed to volatility in international crude oil prices, increasing landing costs and ultimately pushing up retail fuel prices in Nigeria.
