Kerosene Prices Surge Toward ₦4,000, Intensifying Energy Burden

Across Nigeria, the price of household kerosene has climbed to levels that many residents describe as “unthinkable,” with fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing that some households now pay close to ₦4,000 per litre. The development underscores a deepening energy affordability crisis that continues to reshape how millions of Nigerians cook and survive daily.

The latest NBS Household Kerosene Price Watch for April 2026 reveals stark disparities across the country, with Sokoto State recording the highest average price at ₦3,965.10 per litre. Closely behind are Kebbi State at ₦3,808.75 and Lagos State at ₦3,790.90, placing both northern and southwestern commercial hubs among the most expensive locations for kerosene consumption.

Other states also recorded unusually high averages, including Katsina, Edo, Niger, Plateau, and Zamfara, all selling above ₦3,300 per litre during the review period. While prices varied slightly across regions, the national trend points in one direction: kerosene, once regarded as a basic household necessity, is becoming increasingly inaccessible to ordinary Nigerians.

At the lower end of the pricing spectrum, Bayelsa State recorded the cheapest average price at ₦1,815.40 per litre, followed by Kogi at ₦1,982.02 and Yobe at ₦2,235.77. Even at these “lower” rates, however, the cost remains far beyond what many low-income households paid for kerosene just a decade ago.

A Fuel Once Considered the “Poor Man’s Energy”

For years, kerosene occupied a central place in Nigerian households, particularly among low- and middle-income families. It was widely used for cooking and lighting, especially in urban slums and rural communities with limited or no access to stable electricity.

Before the removal of fuel subsidies in 2016 and the subsequent depreciation of the naira, kerosene was widely sold between ₦50 and ₦100 per litre. At that time, it was considered one of the most affordable and accessible energy sources for millions of households.

However, over the years, rising import costs, foreign exchange instability, distribution challenges, and broader inflationary pressures have combined to push prices upward. What was once a low-cost household staple has gradually transformed into a costly commodity, forcing many families to reconsider how they cook and power basic household activities.

Today, the reality is starkly different. In several urban centres, kerosene is now priced in thousands per litre, rivaling or even exceeding the cost burden of alternative energy sources for some households.

Regional Disparities Highlight Deep Energy Inequality

The NBS data paints a picture of uneven access and pricing across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. States in the North-West and parts of the South-West appear to bear some of the highest burdens, with Sokoto and Kebbi leading the national chart.

Energy analysts note that such disparities are often influenced by logistics, transportation costs, supply chains, and the availability of retail outlets. In many northern states, distance from coastal import hubs can significantly increase the final pump price of petroleum products, including kerosene.

In Lagos, despite being a coastal commercial hub with access to ports, high demand density, distribution costs, and market dynamics continue to push retail prices upward. The state’s ₦3,790.90 per litre average underscores the fact that proximity to supply does not always translate into affordability.

Meanwhile, states like Bayelsa, Kogi, and Yobe appear to benefit from relatively lower prices, though even these figures remain significantly higher than historical averages, suggesting a nationwide upward shift rather than isolated spikes.

Month on Month Increases Signal Worsening Trend

Beyond absolute prices, the NBS report also highlights sharp month-on-month increases between March and April 2026. Kaduna State recorded the highest increase at 35.16 per cent, signaling a rapid escalation within a short period.

Other states that recorded notable increases include Bayelsa, Katsina, Imo, and Akwa Ibom, indicating that the price surge is not confined to a single region but is instead spreading across multiple parts of the country.

Such sudden increases place additional pressure on households that are already grappling with inflation in food, transportation, and electricity costs. For many families, energy expenses now compete directly with food budgets, forcing difficult trade-offs in daily survival decisions.

Households Shift Away from Kerosene

As kerosene becomes increasingly unaffordable, many Nigerian households are gradually abandoning it in favour of alternative cooking fuels. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), charcoal, and firewood have become common substitutes, depending on income levels and location.

In urban areas, particularly in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, there has been a noticeable shift toward cooking gas. However, LPG prices have also experienced periodic increases, limiting its accessibility for low-income earners.

In rural communities, where access to gas infrastructure remains limited, many households have reverted to firewood and charcoal. This shift raises additional concerns about environmental sustainability, deforestation, and indoor air pollution, particularly for women and children who are most exposed during cooking.

A trader in Lagos, who declined to be named, described the situation as “a return to survival mode.”

“We used to buy kerosene in small quantities without thinking too much. Now even one litre is a problem. People are changing how they cook completely,” she said.

Inflation and Currency Pressures Behind Rising Costs

Economists point to a combination of macroeconomic factors driving the persistent rise in kerosene prices. The depreciation of the naira has significantly increased the cost of importing refined petroleum products, while global crude oil price fluctuations continue to influence domestic energy markets.

Although Nigeria is an oil-producing country, limited local refining capacity has meant continued reliance on imports for refined products, including kerosene. This structural challenge exposes domestic prices to external shocks, currency volatility, and supply chain disruptions.

In addition, transportation costs have risen sharply due to higher diesel prices, which directly affect the distribution of petroleum products across states. These costs are ultimately passed down to consumers at the retail level.

Energy Poverty Becoming a National Concern

The rising cost of kerosene adds to broader concerns about energy poverty in Nigeria. Millions of households already face inconsistent electricity supply, forcing reliance on alternative fuels for daily survival.

With kerosene now largely unaffordable, the energy burden on households has intensified, particularly among low-income families who spend a significant portion of their income on basic energy needs.

Policy experts warn that without targeted intervention, more Nigerians may be pushed into deeper energy poverty, with long-term implications for health, education, and economic productivity.

A Worsening Cost of Living Crisis

The latest kerosene price data from the NBS reflects more than just a shift in commodity pricing, it highlights the growing strain on household survival in Africa’s largest economy.

From Sokoto to Lagos, the message is increasingly similar: energy is becoming more expensive, less accessible, and harder to afford for ordinary citizens.

As prices approach ₦4,000 per litre in several parts of the country, kerosene is no longer the “poor man’s fuel” it once was. Instead, it has become a symbol of a broader cost-of-living crisis that continues to reshape how Nigerian families cook, live, and adapt in an increasingly difficult economic environment.

Further Reading: High Cooking Gas Price Increase Hardship for Lagos Families, Daily Survival Under Strain