Fuel pricing in Nigeria remains a hotly debated topic, reflecting the nation’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products despite its status as one of the world’s largest oil producers. The recent removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 aimed to allow market forces to determine prices, yet inconsistencies in implementation have led to ongoing fluctuations and occasional scarcity.
As of April 6, 2024, the average cost of fuel varies across regions. In southern Nigeria, motorists are paying an average of 635 naira per litre, while in the middle belt, the price stands slightly higher at 655 naira per litre. Northern Nigeria bears the highest fuel costs, with an average of 680 naira per litre.
This disparity reflects not only the global oil market dynamics but also the inefficiencies within Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply chain. Despite being an oil-rich nation, Nigeria’s limited refining capacity necessitates significant imports of refined petroleum products, subjecting local fuel prices to international market fluctuations.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the government play pivotal roles in setting fuel prices, leading to calls for increased transparency and efficiency in the pricing mechanism. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring stable and equitable fuel pricing across the country, mitigating the impact on consumers and the economy at large.
