Nigeria Spent Over N1.58 Trillion on Petrol in December Amid Festive Demand

Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58 trillion on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in December 2025, according to an analysis of official consumption data, highlighting the significant financial burden of fuel on the economy during peak festive travel.

The calculation is based on the latest fact sheet from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which reported an average daily consumption of 63.7 million litres throughout the month. With 31 days, total national consumption reached 1.97 billion litres for December.

Applying the average pump price of approximately N800 per litre observed across major cities during the period, total consumer spending is estimated at N1.58 trillion. This surge in consumption is attributed to increased travel, festive movements, and heightened commercial activity associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Despite a price reduction enforced by the Dangote Refinery in early December, which lowered its price to N739 per litre, the national average remained higher. Many filling stations, particularly in northern regions, were observed selling above N800 per litre during the Yuletide.

The December 2025 daily consumption figure of 63.7 million litres marks the highest level recorded since October 2024 and represents a significant jump from the 52.3 million litres per day consumed in December 2024.

Supply data for the month reveals a notable contribution from domestic refining. Of the total 74.2 million litres supplied per day, the Dangote Refinery provided 32 million litres daily, while approximately 42.2 million litres per day were imported.

The NMDPRA noted that the increase in supply was largely due to improved output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

This substantial expenditure underscores the continuing heavy weight of fuel costs on household and business budgets within Nigeria’s fully deregulated downstream market, even with growing domestic refining capacity.