Nigeria petrol spending December 2025 hit N1.58tn as festive travel and high fuel use pushed consumption to record levels, according to NMDPRA data
Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58tn on petrol in December 2025, according to official fuel consumption data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, reflecting elevated demand during the festive period.
Also read: Nigeria reduces petrol imports as Dangote boosts domestic supply
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority stated in its December fact sheet that average daily petrol consumption stood at 63.7 million litres throughout the month.
With 31 days in December, nationwide petrol use reached about 1.97 billion litres.
Using the total volume consumed and applying an average pump price of about N800 per litre across major cities, total consumer spending on petrol in the month is estimated at N1.58tn.
The calculation is based on official consumption figures and prevailing market prices following the deregulation of the downstream market.
Petrol consumption remained consistently high during the period, driven largely by increased travel, festive movements and heightened commercial activity associated with the Yuletide.
December traditionally records stronger fuel demand due to holiday logistics and higher electricity needs among businesses reliant on petrol powered generators.
Although the Dangote refinery enforced a price reduction in December, cutting petrol prices from around N900 to as low as N739 per litre, many filling stations sold above N800 during the festive season, particularly in northern states.
Only a limited number of outlets in Lagos and parts of Ogun reflected the lower pricing.
The regulator noted that the December 2025 daily consumption figure was the highest recorded since October 2024.
By comparison, average daily petrol consumption stood at 52.3 million litres in December 2024, highlighting a sharp year on year increase.
Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that daily premium motor spirit consumption rose to 56.9 million litres in October 2025, declined to 52.9 million litres in November, and surged again to its December peak.
Nigeria imported approximately 1.31 billion litres of petrol in December 2025, while the Dangote refinery supplied about 992 million litres during the same period, marking a notable improvement in domestic refining output compared with November.
Total petrol supply for the month averaged 74.2 million litres per day, with imports accounting for 42.2 million litres and the Dangote refinery contributing 32 million litres daily.
The figures indicated that roughly 10 million litres per day were not trucked out during the period.
The N1.58tn estimate underscores the formidable cost burden petrol continues to place on Nigerian households and businesses, even as improved domestic supply and imports helped stabilise availability.
Also read: Dangote Refinery petrol price sparks long queues at MRS filling stations
It also highlights how fuel expenditure absorbs a significant share of consumer spending in a fully deregulated downstream market.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
