Many Nigerians are expressing frustration after petrol prices rose above N1,000 per litre in several parts of the country following a recent adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The refinery raised its gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit to about N995 per litre, a development that has triggered higher pump prices at filling stations nationwide. Checks across major cities show that petrol now sells between N1,000 and N1,190 per litre depending on the location and outlet.

The increase has begun to affect daily life, with transport fares rising and the cost of goods and services expected to follow. Although fuel remains available at most stations and long queues have not been reported in many areas, motorists, commercial drivers and small business owners say the new price levels are placing additional pressure on household finances already strained by inflation.

The latest increase is linked to tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The situation intensified after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets in late February 2026, followed by retaliatory actions from Iran across the region.

One major concern for the global oil market has been disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for international energy shipments. The narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supply. Security concerns and attacks on vessels have slowed tanker movements through the corridor, leaving many ships waiting outside the route.

The disruption has delayed the movement of millions of barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products, raising fears of supply shortages in global markets. Brent crude prices have already climbed above $90 per barrel, with analysts warning that the price could increase further if tensions continue.

Because global crude prices influence the cost of petroleum products, the rise has quickly reflected in fuel markets around the world, including Nigeria.

In the Federal Capital Territory, filling stations have adjusted pump prices to above N1,000 per litre. A market survey showed that several stations now sell petrol between N1,052 and N1,105 per litre. Despite the increase, the product was readily available at most outlets visited.

Commercial drivers say the development has forced them to increase fares. One driver operating along the Federal Secretariat–Asokoro route said he raised transport fares from N400 to N700 in order to cope with the rising cost of fuel. Some commuters expressed frustration, noting that while transport costs rise quickly after fuel increases, salaries remain unchanged.

In Lagos, petrol prices have also climbed sharply, with some stations selling the product for as much as N1,190 per litre. Across the city, prices generally range between N1,005 and N1,190 depending on the station.

Delivery riders and transport operators say the increase has affected their operations. Some have already raised delivery charges to offset higher fuel costs. Business owners who rely on petrol-powered generators due to inconsistent electricity supply also warned that the rising price of fuel could lead to higher prices for goods.

Similar price adjustments were observed in several other states. In Kaduna, petrol sold between N1,060 and N1,070 per litre at major filling stations across the metropolis, while in Taraba the product was sold between N1,000 and N1,060 in cities such as Jalingo and Wukari.

Motorists in those areas said the availability of fuel has prevented panic buying, although many expressed concern over the rising cost.

In Benin City, Edo State, petrol prices ranged from about N1,050 to N1,072 per litre across several stations. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, motorists bought the product for between N1,050 and N1,075 per litre.

Some residents questioned why petrol remains expensive in a country that operates multiple refineries and urged authorities to find ways to reduce the burden on citizens.

In Gombe, residents reported some of the highest prices, with petrol selling between N1,080 and N1,250 per litre at different stations. Commercial motorcyclists said the increase has significantly reduced their earnings because a larger portion of their income now goes toward purchasing fuel.

Residents also warned that higher transportation costs could push up the prices of food and other essential goods.

While most states did not experience panic buying, motorists in parts of Jigawa rushed to filling stations after the increase, fearing further price hikes. Petrol in the state sold around N1,020 to N1,050 per litre at some outlets.

In Kano, pump prices climbed to about N1,150 per litre at several stations, with tricycle operators saying the rising fuel cost has made it harder to maintain their daily income.

Residents in Sokoto also expressed concern after petrol prices increased from about N930 to between N1,050 and N1,100 per litre. In Bauchi, the product sold between N1,100 and N1,106 per litre, while in parts of Yobe prices approached N990 per litre.

Economic analysts say rising petrol prices often trigger wider inflation across the economy because higher transportation and energy costs usually lead to increased prices of food and other essential goods.