The average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in Nigeria continued its upward trajectory in May 2025, rising to ₦1,758.26 per litre, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This represents a 25.24% year-on-year increase, compared to ₦1,403.96 per litre recorded in May 2024. On a month-on-month basis, prices climbed by 2.08%, up from ₦1,722.45 in April 2025, reflecting persistent cost pressures in the downstream market.
Regional Price Variations Widen
Notably, diesel prices varied significantly across the country. Benue State recorded the highest average price in May, at ₦2,441.46 per litre, followed closely by Adamawa State at ₦2,350.32, and Plateau State at ₦2,201.52.
Conversely, consumers in the South paid significantly less. Ondo State offered the lowest average price at ₦1,318.40, with Kogi and Anambra states also on the lower end at ₦1,360.00 and ₦1,361.02, respectively.
North Central Leads Zonal Rankings
From a zonal perspective, the North Central region posted the highest average diesel price at ₦1,920.47 per litre, driven by elevated rates in states like Benue and Plateau.
In contrast, the South West recorded the lowest zonal average at ₦1,553.19, largely due to relatively stable pricing in states like Ondo and Lagos.
Rising Costs Driven by Logistics and Supply Constraints
Several factors continue to push diesel prices higher across the country. Among them are supply chain disruptions, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising crude oil benchmarks. Moreover, logistical challenges, particularly in the North, exacerbate regional price disparities due to longer transport routes and security-related risks.
Additionally, the absence of subsidies on diesel and the increasing cost of distribution contribute to the sustained price growth. As a result, transporters, manufacturers, and end-users continue to feel the squeeze, with operational costs rising across multiple sectors.
Pressure Mounts on Consumers
In summary, Nigeria’s diesel market is experiencing consistent upward pressure, with notable regional disparities intensifying cost-of-living concerns. While the South West enjoys some relief, the North Central and North East zones face the steepest increases.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are calling for urgent interventions—particularly in logistics infrastructure and regional storage optimization—to cushion future price shocks and restore stability in the diesel market.
