NNPC Increases Petrol Price in Lagos and Abuja, What It Means for Nigerians
The NNPC increases petrol price across its retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja has confirmed a new reality for motorists as Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market continues to take shape. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, customers at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stations noticed fresh price adjustments at the pumps. Petrol now sells for N835 per litre in Lagos, up from N785, while residents of the Federal Capital Territory are paying N839 per litre, reflecting a N20 increase from the previous N815 rate.
This development follows closely after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reviewed its ex depot pricing. The refinery recently ended its temporary festive price support, increasing its wholesale rate from N699 to N799 per litre. As the new cost filtered through the supply chain, major marketers including NNPC were left with little option but to adjust retail prices in line with current sourcing and distribution expenses.
Industry observers describe the increase as a clear outcome of Nigeria’s post subsidy fuel regime. Under the new framework, petrol prices are shaped by global crude oil movements, foreign exchange conditions, and local refining and logistics costs rather than government price controls. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has repeatedly emphasized that price movements are expected in a competitive market focused on product availability rather than artificial stability.
Several factors contributed to the latest adjustment. The expiration of Dangote Refinery’s holiday pricing removed a temporary cushion that had kept pump prices lower through late 2025. In addition, marketers faced added financial pressure from a N100 per litre top up on products already booked at earlier rates. Global crude oil prices have also remained elevated, with Brent crude trading around 81 dollars per barrel, sustaining higher landing and production costs.
The impact of the new pump prices is already being felt across the transport sector. Commuters in Lagos and Abuja report noticeable increases in bus fares, with some routes seeing hikes of up to 15 percent. In parts of the Federal Capital Territory, independent marketers are selling petrol for as much as N910 per litre, attributing the difference to transportation and financing costs from the Lekki refinery axis.
Although NNPC outlets still offer slightly lower prices compared to some private retailers, the gap is narrowing. Analysts say this growing price alignment between NNPC, MRS stations, and independent marketers reflects the gradual dominance of market driven pricing. The near uniform rate of about N839 per litre across major outlets suggests that competition, rather than regulation, is beginning to define the downstream space.
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Regulatory authorities remain cautiously optimistic despite public concerns. The NMDPRA believes that increased private sector participation in refining, distribution, and retailing will eventually improve supply efficiency and moderate prices over time. According to the agency, subsidy removal has already reduced fuel scarcity and improved product availability nationwide.
As economic activity gathers pace in 2026, Nigerians continue to debate whether the economy can absorb frequent fuel price changes. For now, the immediate reality is higher fuel costs at the pump, framed by policymakers as a necessary step toward a transparent, competitive, and sustainable energy market.