The National Bureau of Statistics has reported a decline in Nigeria’s average retail price for a litre of diesel in July 2025, with the cost dropping to ₦1,789.45 per litre from ₦1,813.81 in June.
This represents a 1.34 per cent decrease month-on-month, according to the NBS’s recently released Diesel Price Watch report published on August 22, 2025, in Abuja.
Despite the short-term reduction, diesel prices remain significantly higher than a year ago. On a year-on-year basis, the average price surged by 29.72 per cent, up from ₦1,379.48 recorded in July 2024, highlighting persistent inflationary pressures in Nigeria’s fuel market.
The report also documents notable regional disparities in diesel prices across Nigeria’s states. The highest average retail price in July was recorded in Benue State, where consumers paid ₦2,341.46 per litre—significantly above the national average.
This was followed by Adamawa State at ₦2,163.88 and Plateau State at ₦2,029.71, both reflecting above-average cost burdens likely driven by logistical and supply chain challenges in these regions.
Conversely, the states offering the lowest diesel prices were identified as Ondo State with ₦1,465.71 per litre, Zamfara State at ₦1,470.35, and Gombe State at ₦1,485.00. These lower prices potentially reflect better fuel distribution infrastructure and proximity to import depots or refineries.
An analysis by geopolitical zones revealed that the South-South zone experienced the highest regional average diesel price at ₦1,941.98 per litre, while the South-West zone recorded the lowest average price of ₦1,619.06 per litre.
The differences point to varying supply dynamics and transportation costs affecting pricing across zones.
The slight monthly dip in diesel prices comes amid global fuel market fluctuations, Nigeria’s ongoing attempts to stabilise fuel supply—through domestic refining initiatives and import policies—and efforts to address inflationary trends.
