*One-chance robbery, high transport costs, fear of terrorist attack envelop city
WorldStage– Retail fuel prices at NNPC Limited petrol stations in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja have come down to ₦960 per litre across Abuja metropolis and in some local suburbs, following an increase in ex-depot rates driven by global market tensions.
Reports by our reporters on the price drop following checks at various NNPC retail outlets in the city on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 show the development is widespread.
NNPC retail outlets in Abuja had adjusted their pump prices from roughly N875 per litre to N960 per litre around March 3-4, 2026, following a hike in ex-depot prices.
The increase follows an adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised its ex-gantry price to N874 per litre from N774 per litre, driven by rising global crude oil prices amid Middle East geopolitical tensions.
Similar increases were observed in Lagos, with NNPC stations adjusting to N933 per litre.
Reports as of March 10, 2026, indicated that prices in some Abuja locations had risen even higher, exceeding N1,000, following further adjustments.
While some reports indicated a brief reduction in prices by the Dangote Refinery on March 10, 2026, from higher levels, the prevailing trend in early March 2026 was a significant increase in fuel prices at NNPC stations in Abuja.
Aside the petrol price drop, other significant developments in Federal Capital Territory include
President Bola Tinubu’s official request to the Senate for approval of a ₦1.7 trillion budget for the Federal Capital Territory for 2025.
Focus areas of the budget is dedication of 85% of capital expenditure to completing ongoing projects, with the remainder for new initiatives in healthcare, job creation, and education.
There’s also the development of indication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release a new timetable for the 2027 general elections following recent legislative changes.
Also, defaulters on FCT ground rent have been granted a 14-day grace period to settle outstanding payments following an intervention by the President.
The price of Urea fertilizer has also spiked to between ₦45,000 and ₦50,000, significantly impacting local farming costs.
In addition, higher fuel costs have already translated into increased transport fares across the capital, while citizens have been advised to vary travel routes and maintain high vigilance following U.S. Mission in Nigeria issuance of security alert regarding a potential terrorist threat against U.S. government facilities and affiliated schools in Abuja.
A fire incident also recently broke out at Section C of the Federal Secretariat complex, affecting the Office of the Head of Service.
While the fire was contained by the Federal Fire Service, the cause remains under investigation.
Another development is resurgence of “one-chance” robberies, with security agencies warning residents to be wary of criminals using commercial vehicles to rob passengers, particularly around high-traffic areas like Berger Bridge.
