Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58tn on petrol in December 2025, driven by high fuel consumption during the Yuletide, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The regulator’s December fact sheet shows that average daily petrol consumption stood at 63.7 million litres, bringing total usage for the 31-day month to about 1.97 billion litres. Using an average pump price of N800 per litre across the country, total consumer spending is estimated at N1.58tn.
Fuel consumption remained elevated throughout the month, largely due to increased travel, festive movements and heightened commercial activities typical of the holiday season. Although the Dangote refinery reduced petrol prices in December to as low as N739 per litre, many filling stations—particularly in northern states—sold above N800 during the period.
December 2025 recorded the highest daily petrol consumption since October 2024 and marked a sharp increase from December 2024, when daily usage averaged 52.3 million litres. After rising to 56.9 million litres per day in October 2025, consumption dipped in November before surging to its December peak.
The NMDPRA said Nigeria imported about 1.31 billion litres of petrol in December, while the Dangote refinery supplied 992 million litres. Total petrol supply averaged 74.2 million litres per day, with imports accounting for 42.2 million litres and domestic refining contributing 32 million litres daily.
According to the regulator, improved output from the Dangote refinery significantly boosted domestic supply during the month.
The N1.58tn spending estimate highlights the heavy cost of petrol on households and businesses, underscoring how fuel continues to consume a large share of consumer expenditure in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream market.
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