Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58 trillion on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, in December 2025, reflecting increased fuel consumption during the Yuletide season, according to a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The data, contained in the authority’s December 2025 downstream petroleum sector report, showed that the country recorded an average daily petrol consumption of about 63.7 million litres, translating to approximately 1.97 billion litres consumed nationwide within the month.

Analysts estimated the N1.58tn expenditure based on prevailing average pump prices of between N780 and N820 per litre across major cities and highways during the festive period, when travel and commercial activities peak.

Festive Travel, Power Needs Drive Consumption

Industry observers attributed the surge in petrol spending to increased interstate travel, heightened economic activities and greater use of petrol-powered generators, as many households and businesses sought to meet electricity needs during the holiday season.

December is traditionally Nigeria’s busiest travel month, with millions journeying to hometowns for Christmas and New Year celebrations, leading to higher fuel demand across the country.

Regional Price Variations Persist

Despite price adjustments by suppliers, including price moderation linked to supplies from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, fuel pump prices remained uneven nationwide. While some stations in Lagos and parts of the South sold petrol below N780 per litre, prices in parts of the North and remote areas reportedly exceeded N800 per litre, contributing to higher consumer spending.

Imports Still Dominate Supply Mix

The NMDPRA report further revealed that Nigeria continued to rely significantly on petrol imports in December, although domestic supply improved. Of the total PMS consumed during the month, over one billion litres were imported, while local refineries, including the Dangote facility, contributed a substantial portion of supply.

This supply mix, experts said, highlights Nigeria’s gradual transition toward improved domestic refining capacity, even as imports remain necessary to meet national demand.

Economic Implications

Energy economists noted that the N1.58tn spent on petrol in a single month underscores the heavy cost of fuel on households and businesses in a deregulated downstream market, especially amid rising living costs.

They added that sustained improvements in local refining and distribution infrastructure could help stabilise prices and reduce pressure on consumers in the long term.

The NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, supply sufficiency and fair competition in the downstream petroleum sector, while monitoring price movements to protect consumers.

The report provides fresh insight into Nigeria’s fuel consumption pattern and the economic impact of energy demand during peak festive periods.