After the numerous promises made to Nigerians by industrialist Aliko Dangote about ensuring that fuel becomes more affordable, the reality at filling stations appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
Since Saturday, petrol prices have surged from around N700 per litre to as high as N1,175 across Lagos state, with motorists reporting slightly lower or higher prices depending on the filling station and location.
This sudden increase in fuel price has generated reactions among Nigerians, many of whom are questioning why prices continue to rise despite the launch of the Dangote Refinery, which was expected to help stabilise fuel supply and reduce costs in the country. 
The recent price increase is argued by people to be attributed to tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
However, many Nigerians remain unconvinced, asking what the situation in Iran has to do with the price of fuel in a country that produces crude oil and now has one of the world’s largest refineries.
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Reactions To The Hike
The price increase has caused many Nigerians to go on social media to vent, with many people sharing their experiences at filling stations and expressing frustration over the rising cost of fuel.
The new price has led to higher transportation costs and would further increase food prices and other basic goods.
“Went out to buy fuel. Met fuel at N1,175 naira. Lmao… you won’t give stable electricity, yet the price of fuel keeps increasing. Nigerians, whenever we’re ready, we’ll hit the streets! “, Someone tweeted.
The country has also been battling with poor electricity, which makes the hike in fuel prices more agitating for Nigerians.
“There is no light; petrol stations are locking gates and hiking the price of their fuel. The entire nation is in total darkness. We are totally fucked in this country. Someone else said.
Someone else said, “Six days ago petrol was N774 per litre. Today it is N1000 plus. Dangote has suspended loading three times in one week. Every suspension is followed by a price hike. The next one is likely Monday.”
Others have blamed this fuel hike on the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“This is not a refinery problem. This is a war in the Middle East reaching your fuel tank in real time. Brent crude jumped 26% in days. Global refineries are shutting down. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is being disrupted. Nigeria built the largest single-train refinery in the world, and petrol is still being priced by events 6,000 miles away. Local refining protects supply. It does not protect price,” a user tweeted.
Another added, ‘South Korea has no oil reserves. Zero. But when prices spiked, their government moved in days to cap fuel prices, inspect gas stations for price gouging, and secure 6 million extra barrels from the UAE. Nigeria produces over 1.5 million barrels of oil a day. What exactly is our excuse again?”
Everyday Conversations Reflect the Concern
The debate is not limited to social media. Across the country, especially in Lagos, fuel prices have become a major topic of everyday conversations.
For instance, during a recent ride on Saturday night, a passenger and the driver were discussing the sudden increase in petrol prices.
The driver asserted that the fuel hike is caused by the ongoing war as Dangote refines his oil in Iran. While such a statement remains false, the conversation reflects the level of confusion among many Nigerians trying to understand why fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
Data
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, petrol prices in Nigeria have been unstable since the removal of fuel subsidies.
Data from the Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown that the average retail price of petrol was N1,061.35 in November 2025.
However, the price rose slightly by 0.86 per cent from October 2025’s N1,052.31. According to the NBS data, Borno State recorded the highest average retail price at N1,133.86, followed by Sokoto (N1,118.83) and Kogi (N1,111.00).
ALSO READ: Dangote Slashes Fuel Prices – Full List of Stations Selling Petrol Below ₦740
Conclusion
As fuel prices continue to rise, many Nigerians say the situation is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for transport operators and small businesses that rely heavily on petrol for daily operations.
With global oil markets facing uncertainty and domestic supply dynamics still evolving, many are now watching closely to see whether prices will stabilise or climb even higher, and there’s the question of why the prices have increased even with the largest refinery being accessible to us.
“The USA & Iran are fighting; fuel prices are increasing in Nigeria. Don’t we have our own refinery? People are asking.
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