This post was originally published on this site.
Nigeria’s petrol consumption fell by approximately 52 million litres in the first half of 2026, indicating that sustained high pump prices are beginning to influence consumer demand despite increased local refining capacity.
Data obtained from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that between January and June 2026, Nigerians consumed an estimated 9.316 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), compared to 9.368 billion litres recorded during the same period in 2025. This represents a decline of 52 million litres, or 0.56%.
The regulator explained that the consumption figures were based on the quantity of petrol transported by trucks into the domestic market.
New NMDPRA Data Shows Nigerians Buying Less Petrol Despite Dangote Refinery BoostSource: Getty Images
Fuel Prices Continue to Shape Demand
The slight reduction in petrol consumption came as motorists continued to grapple with higher fuel prices following the removal of petrol subsidy and the deregulation of the downstream oil
