The consumption of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel declined in July as rising pump prices continued to put pressure on consumers and businesses across Nigeria.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that average daily petrol consumption fell by 25 per cent during the month.

Petrol demand dropped to 37.6 million litres per day in July from 47.4 million litres per day recorded in June.

Diesel consumption also decreased by nine per cent, falling from 16 million litres per day in June to 14.7 million litres per day in July.

The aviation sector recorded an even sharper decline in fuel consumption. Daily demand for Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) fell by 41 per cent, from 2.9 million litres to 1.7 million litres.

The declines came amid higher prices for petroleum products, which have increased transportation, operating and other business costs.

In July, petrol sold for between N1,131 and N1,350 per litre, while diesel prices ranged from N1,440 to N1,670 per litre. Aviation fuel was sold at between N1,750 and N2,650 per litre.

However, consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, moved in the opposite direction.

NMDPRA data showed that average daily LPG consumption increased by seven per cent, rising from 3.8 kilotonnes per day in June to 4.1 KT/D in July.