The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, Price Watch report for June 2025. The data reveals stark disparities in pump prices across the country, with several states recording significantly higher-than-average prices.

Nigeria’s heavy dependence on petrol for transportation and power generation — especially in the face of chronic electricity shortages — means that elevated fuel costs directly translate into higher operational costs for businesses and increased living expenses for households. These regional price disparities continue to drive inflationary pressures in the worst-affected areas.

Based on the June 2025 report, here are the top ten states where Nigerians paid the most for petrol, ranked from the lowest to the highest:

10. Kaduna – N1,064.79 per litre

Kaduna, located in the North-West, recorded an average petrol price of N1,064.79 in June 2025 — a rise from N1,020.83 in May 2025. Compared year-on-year, Kaduna’s fuel price surged from N709.58 in June 2024.

Although the Kaduna refinery is reportedly 81% completed, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), no direct effect on local petrol prices has been observed. The state government has not issued any statement concerning this fuel price hike.

9. Delta – N1,067.34 per litre

Delta State, in the South-South region, posted an average fuel price of N1,067.34 in June — unchanged from the previous month. However, the price is significantly higher than the N785.71 recorded in June 2024.

In a proactive move back in 2023, the Delta State Government launched a monitoring team to oversee petrol distribution and pricing. Despite these efforts, prices remain high, and the reactivated Warri refinery, operational since December 2024, has yet to bring relief to consumers.

8. Niger – N1,067.41 per litre

The North-Central state of Niger ranked eighth with an average pump price of N1,067.41, up from N991.08 in May 2025. Compared to June 2024’s price of N704.47, the increase is substantial.

Unlike some other states, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has been active in price regulation efforts, conducting surprise visits to fuel stations and warning against price hikes and hoarding.

7. Adamawa – N1,083.40 per litre

Adamawa, the sole North-East state on this list, recorded a June 2025 average PMS price of N1,083.40 — an increase from N1,053.40 in May. Year-on-year, prices rose sharply from N741.67.

The state has consistently featured in the top ten for high fuel prices since 2021, according to NBS data. Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns and frustrations over soaring costs, especially since the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.

6. Anambra – N1,088.20 per litre

In the South-East, Anambra recorded a modest month-on-month increase in fuel prices — from N1,084.13 in May to N1,088.20 in June. However, the year-on-year difference is stark, with June 2024 prices at N779.42.

Historically, Anambra was among the states with the lowest PMS prices, but recent data shows it has joined the ranks of the most expensive states for fuel.

5. Zamfara – N1,096.81 per litre

Zamfara, in the North-West, continues to experience some of the highest fuel prices post-subsidy removal. The average price rose slightly from N1,093.21 in May 2025, and significantly from N760.38 in June 2024.

Residents have frequently called on the Federal Government to reinstate subsidies, blaming their removal for widespread economic hardship in the state.

Interestingly, Zamfara was once among the states with the cheapest fuel — back in May 2021. However, that trend reversed sharply following the 2023 policy shift.

4. Sokoto – N1,100.00 per litre

Also in the North-West, Sokoto’s average PMS price held steady at N1,100.00 from May to June 2025. Yet the figure represents a major increase from N723.33 in June 2024.

While Sokoto ranked third in May 2025, it dropped to fourth in June. Alongside Zamfara, the state has been deeply impacted by subsidy removal and has struggled with persistently high pump prices.

3. Lagos – N1,100.29 per litre

Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, overtook Sokoto to become the third most expensive state for petrol. The average price in June rose slightly from N1,077.05 in May. Year-on-year, Lagos saw a sharp jump from N626.94 in June 2024.

Despite hosting the Dangote Petroleum Refinery — which slashed its ex-depot prices multiple times — retail prices at many stations have not reflected these cuts. In June, for instance, MRS, a distributor of Dangote petrol, raised its pump price after an increase in the ex-depot rate from N825 to N880 per litre.

2. Ondo – N1,104.80 per litre

Ondo, in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-West, recorded an average petrol price of N1,104.80 in June — up from N1,083.47 in May 2025. In June 2024, prices stood at N747.86.

Despite its position as one of the country’s top oil-producing states, Ondo remains one of the most expensive places to buy petrol. Interestingly, the state reported one of the lowest inflation rates in Nigeria — 18.2% in June — positioning it among the most affordable states overall, even with high fuel prices.

1. Jigawa – N1,107.52 per litre

Jigawa tops the list as the most expensive state for petrol in June 2025, with a price tag of N1,107.52. That’s an increase from N1,079.02 recorded in May and a significant jump from N847.00 in June 2024.

For several consecutive months, Jigawa has remained at the top of the list for the highest petrol prices, according to NBS data.

National Average and Implications

Nationwide, the average price of petrol stood at N1,037.66 in June 2025 — a sharp rise from N750.17 in June 2024. This ongoing trend of high fuel costs has widespread implications, particularly for inflation, food distribution, and overall cost of living. States with higher petrol prices often experience knock-on effects such as pricier transportation, food, and goods, further straining already overburdened consumers.

The fuel subsidy removal policy implemented in 2023 remains a pivotal factor in this price escalation. Although designed to reduce government spending and encourage market efficiency, it has also introduced significant short-term hardship for many Nigerians — especially in regions far from oil refineries or with weak regulatory enforcement.

As Nigerians brace for further economic uncertainty, policymakers are under increasing pressure to address the inefficiencies in the fuel supply chain, incentivize price regulation, and fast-track operational capacities of domestic refineries to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.