Nigerian mechanics and drivers are feeling the heat as lubricant prices skyrocket, making car maintenance more expensive and putting businesses under pressure. In the past six months, the cost of engine oil and greases has shot up by as much as 40%, forcing many car owners to delay servicing their vehicles.
For Chukwudi Okeke, a mechanic in Ikeja, Lagos, the price hikes are a nightmare. “Last year, a 4-litre can of engine oil was N8,000. Now, it’s N11,500,” he said. “Customers don’t want to pay more, but I can’t work at a loss. Some have even stopped coming because they can’t afford it.”
This price surge comes at a bad time. Nigerians are already struggling with high fuel prices after the government removed fuel subsidies, and now, even maintaining a car is becoming a luxury.
Why Are Lubricant Prices Rising?
Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria still depends on imports for many petroleum byproducts, including lubricants. The problem is made worse by:
- The country’s low refining capacity, meaning most lubricants are imported.
- The falling value of the naira, which makes imports more expensive.
- High shipping costs due to global supply chain issues.
Even though the Dangote Refinery, which started operations in late 2024, is producing petrol and diesel, it hasn’t yet ramped up lubricant production. That leaves Nigerian mechanics and drivers at the mercy of international prices.
Drivers Feeling the Pinch
Adebayo Musa, a taxi driver in Abuja, is struggling to keep his car in good shape. “I used to change my oil every month, but now I stretch it longer because I can’t keep up,” he said. “It’s risky, but what choice do I have?”
Older cars, which need frequent lubrication, are suffering the most. Many drivers are taking shortcuts, using cheaper alternatives, or delaying oil changes moves that could lead to engine damage in the long run.
Market Prices Hitting the Roof
Data from Lagos and Port Harcourt shows that synthetic oils, known for lasting longer, now sell for over N15,000 per 4-litre container. Even mineral oils, which used to be the cheaper option, have climbed beyond reach for many drivers.
One trader at Oyingbo market, Lagos, blamed the price hikes on the weak naira and high import costs. “We ordered these oils last year, but by the time they arrived, the dollar rate had doubled,” he explained.
Any Solutions in Sight?
So far, the government hasn’t announced any solid plans to address the lubricant crisis. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has hinted at efforts to increase local production, but that won’t happen overnight.
Experts suggest that:
- Dangote Refinery should speed up its lubricant production.
- More modular refineries should be set up to reduce dependence on imports.
But these solutions could take months, even years. In the meantime, Nigerian mechanics, drivers, and transporters are stuck with rising costs and difficult choices.
Rising Costs, Rising Inflation
As transport fares increase to cover these costs, the price of goods and services could also go up, adding to the economic pressure on Nigerians. For now, people are doing their best to keep their vehicles on the road but with the way things are going, staying mobile is becoming more expensive by the day.
