Over the past two years, Nigeria has witnessed a significant drop in petrol usage. Daily consumption has plunged by 28%—from about 68 million litres in June 2023 to roughly 49 million litres by June 2025. This shift follows the removal of fuel subsidies and a sharp rise in pump prices, pushing many Nigerians to cut back their fuel use drastically.
At many filling stations across the country, the impact is stark. In Abuja’s Karshi area, station managers report that it now takes two months to sell a single 30,000-litre tanker of petrol—down from rapidly turning over multiple tankers in the past. Stations that once employed multiple attendants have scaled back to just one, as sales have dropped to levels where staffing remains unsustainable.
This decline isn’t confined to the capital. In Lagos neighborhoods like Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajegunle, and Alaba-Oro, attendants note a sharp fall in customers. Some attribute this to the relentless price fluctuations: major hikes followed by modest reductions leave many feeling weary and disinclined to stop for petrol. Buyers now limit filling up to only when absolutely necessary.
However, not all outlets have seen the same drop. Retail stations linked to major suppliers—especially those offering relatively lower prices—still attract long queues. These markets suggest that even modest price relief can spark demand, as drivers flock to outlet brands they perceive as offering better value.
Elsewhere in Nigeria—across Asaba, Kano, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and other cities—a similar picture unfolds. Independent stations stand nearly empty, while those affiliated with larger networks draw modest crowds. The reason? Competitive pricing and perceived reliability.
Simultaneously, a surge in drivers converting to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is emerging as a key trend. CNG costs far less per kilogram, and motorists who transitioned report massive savings. For many, filling a CNG cylinder allows longer drive time at a fraction of the petrol cost—making trips to petrol stations increasingly rare.
Independent fuel marketers are feeling the squeeze. Many now move only one tanker per month, or even less, replacing what used to be frequent restocking. The combined pressures of high prices, shifting consumer behavior, and a faltering market have created a trying period—one that threatens to squeeze marginalized marketers out entirely.
The data underscores a broader reality: Nigeria’s fuel demand is undergoing structural change. As petrol becomes less affordable, alternatives like CNG are gaining ground, and fuel station operators must adapt—or face irrelevance.
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