Nigerians are facing harder times as fuel prices keep rising. The cost of petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), and other fuels has increased in the past week, affecting transport, food prices, and household expenses.
Fuel Prices Keep Climbing
On March 20, 2025, petrol prices at Lagos depots ranged from ₦835 at MRS Tincan to ₦860 at NIPCO, Pinnacle, and Rainoil. This is a big jump from March 18, when NIPCO sold at ₦825, Pinnacle at ₦826, and MRS Tincan at ₦827. By March 19, prices had already risen to ₦835 at NIPCO and Pinnacle.
Other parts of Nigeria are also seeing price increases. In Warri, Rainoil Delta’s PMS price went from ₦855 on March 18 to ₦875 on March 20. In Calabar, Soroman’s PMS increased from ₦852 to ₦870 during the same period.
Diesel prices have also shot up. On March 20, Lagos depots reported AGO prices as high as ₦1,035 at NIPCO and AITEO, and ₦1,020 at MAO. In Port Harcourt, BULK STRATEGIC had the highest AGO price at ₦1,041.
Cooking gas (LPG) and aviation fuel (ATK) are also getting more expensive. In Warri, MATRIX listed LPG at ₦837.5 and ATK at ₦1,060 among the highest prices recorded.
Tanker Delays Causing Worry
The rising fuel costs come at a time when supply issues and tanker delays are creating concerns. Many depots are struggling to maintain fuel stock, leading to fears of a shortage. Experts say delays in tanker movements and distribution problems are pushing prices higher.
Sharp Price Increases in Just Days
Comparing fuel prices over just three days shows how fast they are rising. In Lagos, NIPCO’s petrol price jumped from ₦825 on March 18 to ₦860 on March 20, a 4.2% increase. In Warri, Rainoil Delta increased its price by ₦20, and in Calabar, Soroman’s price went up by ₦18.
Some depots, like MRS Tincan in Lagos, kept their price at ₦835 from March 19 to 20, but the general trend shows that fuel is getting more expensive across the country.
How This Affects Nigerians
These price hikes will hit Nigerians hard. Transport fares are expected to increase, pushing up food prices and other living costs. Many people use LPG for cooking and diesel for generators, so these rising prices will strain household budgets.
“These price hikes are a nightmare for the average Nigerian,” said Chukwudi Eze, a Lagos-based trader. “Fuel affects everything, transport, power, food prices. If this continues, many of us won’t survive it.”
What Happens Next?
There is no sign that prices will go down soon. The government, oil marketers, and consumers will need to find ways to manage the situation. Many Nigerians are worried about how high prices will go and how long they will stay up.
For now, the only certainty is that tough times are ahead, and everyone will feel the impact.
