The northern regions of Nigeria saw the most significant rise in diesel prices over the past year, with the North East experiencing an increase of up to 36.26%

Key takeaways:

  • Diesel prices in the North East soared by 36.26%, the highest increase nationwide.
  • All three northern zones—North East (36.26%), North Central (33.71%), and North West (15.44%)—saw the steepest fuel price increases, outpacing their southern counterparts.
  • The South East (6.97%) and South South (9.23%) recorded the lowest diesel price increases.
  • The South West experienced a moderate rise at 13.30%, positioning it between the extremes of northern and other southern zones.
  • The uneven price changes point to a broader issue of fuel supply chain challenges, infrastructure, and perhaps market inefficiencies affecting certain regions more than others.

In February 2025, the North East recorded the highest year-on-year increase in diesel prices at 36.26%, followed closely by the North Central at 33.71%. This steep rise in energy costs in the northern regions contrasts sharply with the southern zones, where price changes were far more modest, dipping as low as 6.97% in the South East. The contrast highlights an uneven energy burden across Nigeria that could have ripple effects on transportation, business operations, and the overall cost of living in different parts of the country.

Source:

NBS

Period:

2025
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  • The North East had the highest average cooking gas prices of ₦7.4k and ₦18.2k for 5kg and 12.5kg cylinders respectively
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  • The average price difference of cooking gas among Nigerian states is 28.97%
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  • Nine out of Nigeria's 36 states plus Abuja have an average price for 12.5kg cooking gas that exceeds ₦18,000
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  • The national average price of 12.5kg cooking gas in Nigeria is ₦17,274.16
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