Diesel price in Nigeria today: what you are actually paying
On 11 October 2026, Dangote Refinery raised its diesel (AGO) gantry price from ₦1,700 to ₦1,800 per litre, only three days after cutting it from ₦1,780 (Daily Post). Independent depots in Lagos such as Pivot, African Terminal and Integrated were quoting ₦1,805–₦1,905, while filling stations in Abuja were selling between ₦1,960 and ₦1,980 per litre, with analysts expecting pump prices to edge higher.
The price you pay depends on where you buy. Depot prices are for bulk buyers loading trucks. Pump prices add haulage, station margin and local supply costs, so diesel is usually cheapest around Lagos and Port Harcourt and dearer inland.
Diesel price trend: September – October 2026
National average depot prices moved between roughly ₦1,758 and ₦1,895 per litre over the past month (depot tracker). Prices peaked in mid-September, dipped in early October, and are rising again as Brent crude trades around $104 per barrel.
| Date | Avg. depot diesel price |
|---|---|
| 9 Oct 2026 | ₦1,848/L |
| 6 Oct 2026 | ₦1,758/L |
| 2 Oct 2026 | ₦1,795/L |
| 25 Sep 2026 | ₦1,837/L |
| 18 Sep 2026 | ₦1,895/L |
| 12 Sep 2026 | ₦1,850/L |
What drives the price of diesel in Nigeria
- Crude oil prices. Diesel tracks global crude. When Brent rises, refinery and import prices follow within days.
- The naira exchange rate. Imported cargoes and crude feedstock are priced in dollars.
- Refinery gantry prices. Dangote's price now sets the floor for the market; depots price around it.
- Haulage and logistics. Distance from Lagos or Port Harcourt adds cost per litre.
- Deregulation. There is no government-fixed diesel price, so stations set their own.
How to use the diesel cost tracker
Pick the preset closest to your generator, or set litres per hour yourself. Enter the price on your last receipt and the hours you run the generator each day. The tracker shows your daily, monthly and yearly diesel spend. A useful rule of thumb: a generator burns about 0.25 litres per kVA each hour at 75% load.
Reduce your diesel bill
Service the generator on schedule, avoid running it heavily under- or over-loaded, and move daytime loads to solar. For homes and businesses running a generator most of the day, a lithium solar system often pays for itself in a few years at today's diesel prices. See our solar system prices, try the solar load estimator, or compare ready-made solar bundles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of diesel in Nigeria today?
As of 11 October 2026, Dangote Refinery sells diesel at ₦1,800 per litre at the gantry, independent Lagos depots sell at ₦1,800–₦1,905, and filling stations in Abuja sell at roughly ₦1,960–₦1,980 per litre. Pump prices vary by state and station.
Why does the diesel price change so often?
Diesel (AGO) is fully deregulated. Prices follow crude oil (Brent was around $104 per barrel in October 2026), the naira exchange rate, refinery gantry prices, trucking costs and local supply.
Why is diesel more expensive in the north and east?
Most diesel loads out of Lagos and Port Harcourt. Haulage distance, security and smaller stations add to the pump price in inland states.
How much diesel does a generator use per hour?
A rough guide is 0.25 litres per kVA-hour at 75% load. A 10 kVA generator uses about 2–2.5 litres per hour; a 60 kVA unit uses about 10–14 litres per hour. Older or poorly serviced engines use more.
Is solar cheaper than running a diesel generator?
For daily use, usually yes. A lithium solar system costs more upfront but has no fuel bill. Many homes and businesses that run a generator 8+ hours a day recover the cost in 2–4 years at current diesel prices.
Prices are market reports and change daily. Always confirm with your supplier before buying.