The National Bureau of Statistics releases its April 2026 data, revealing severe household energy strains as a litre of household kerosene nears the N3,000 mark.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the financial pressure on Nigerian households dependent on alternative cooking fuels multiplied heavily in April 2026.
According to the official National Kerosene Price Watch report released in Abuja on Friday, May 29, 2026, the average national retail price for one litre of household kerosene jumped sharply to N2,976.94. This new baseline represents a steep 22.49% month-on-month surge when compared to the average price of N2,430.38 recorded in March 2026.
The statistical data further highlights a severe inflationary trajectory when examined on a year-on-year basis. The retail cost of a litre of kerosene increased by 34.12% across the federation over the past twelve months, climbing from the N2,219.69 average recorded in April 2025 to its current high of nearly N3,000.
A detailed state-by-state analysis conducted by the bureau exposed massive price differences across geographic zones.
Consumers in Sokoto paid the highest average retail price in the country at N3,965.10 per litre, followed closely by Kebbi at N3,808.75 and Lagos at N3,790.90. Conversely, the most affordable rates were found in the Niger Delta and North-Central regions, with Bayelsa documenting the lowest national average at N1,815.40 per litre, followed by Kogi at N1,982.02 and Yobe at N2,235.77.
The bureau’s report also captured a corresponding upward spiral in the bulk purchase segment:
“The average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in April 2026 was N13,396.23, indicating a 22.49 per cent increase from the N10,936.71 recorded in March 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 61.50 per cent from N8,294.98 recorded in April 2025,” the NBS stated.
In the bulk gallon category, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos maintained their positions as the most expensive markets, with averages of N17,842.96, N17,139.38, and N17,059.05 respectively.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa, Kogi, and Yobe offered the cheapest options for bulk buyers. On a broader regional scale, the North-West zone emerged as the most expensive area for kerosene consumers, averaging N3,437.15 per litre and N15,467.16 per gallon.
On the other end of the spectrum, the South-East zone recorded the lowest average retail rates, with prices dropping to N2,674.61 per litre and N12,035.73 per gallon, providing some relative relief for families in the region.
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