Nigeria’s Petrol Consumption Falls 25% as Diesel and Aviation Fuel Demand Also Drop

Nigeria’s daily consumption of petrol fell by 25 per cent in July, with diesel and aviation fuel also recording sharp declines as higher pump prices continued to affect demand.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that petrol consumption dropped from 47.4 million litres per day in June to 37.6 million litres in July.

Diesel demand also fell, declining by nine per cent from 16 million litres per day to 14.7 million litres, according to the regulator’s July Fact Sheet released on Monday.

Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) recorded the steepest decline among the three fuels. Daily consumption dropped by 41 per cent, from 2.9 million litres in June to 1.7 million litres in July.

The decline came as petrol, diesel and aviation fuel prices remained high during the month. Petrol sold between N1,131 and N1,350 per litre, while diesel prices ranged from N1,440 to N1,670 per litre.

ATK prices were even higher, ranging between N1,750 and N2,650 per litre in July. The rising cost of petroleum products has continued to put pressure on households, businesses and transport operators.

While demand for the three products fell, consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, moved in the opposite direction. Daily LPG consumption increased by seven per cent, rising from 3.8 kilotonnes to 4.1 kilotonnes.

The latest figures highlight a shift in Nigeria’s petroleum consumption pattern, with demand for petrol, diesel and aviation fuel falling sharply while LPG consumption recorded modest growth. The figures also underline the impact that fuel prices are having on how households, businesses and other users consume energy