Between petrol and diesel, which harms more, and what should we do with that knowledge now, before electric cars even arrive?
Prologue:
A Question Worth Asking
A lot of us don’t think about what powers our cars. Petrol, diesel, or whatever works. But when you zoom out and trace every bit of energy burned, every resource mined, and every emission released, you start to see just how much that everyday ride really costs.
We asked a simple question:
Between petrol and diesel, which one is better for Nigeria’s environment?
Not from a brand or price perspective, but from a long-term, what-does-this-mean-for-us-all lens.
So we did the work. We traced the environmental impacts of both fuel types, all the way from the oil well to the final ride.
What we found was more than a technical report. It became a story about the decisions we make and how much power lies in them.
How We Did It
We used a method called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It’s like doing an audit, not of your bank account but of your car’s entire environmental footprint. From oil extraction to car production to everyday driving. Every input and output is tracked.
We compared a petrol-powered car to a diesel-powered car, both mid-sized, both used in Nigeria, both expected to last 14 years, driving 15,000 km annually.
Here’s what we included in our analysis:
- Fuel production: from extraction to refining
- Car manufacturing: parts and assembly
- Vehicle use: the fuel it burns while you drive
We didn’t include the end-of-life stage (recycling or disposal); data wasn’t available. And to stay credible, we only analyzed what we could measure confidently.
What We Found
The numbers told a clear story, but not an obvious one.
| Impact Area | Petrol Car | Diesel Car | So What? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse Gases | ⚠️ High | ⚠️ High | Same global warming footprint |
| Acid Rain Potential | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower | Diesel pollutes air slightly less |
| Resource Depletion | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower | Petrol consumes more energy |
| Water Pollution | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower | Diesel edges ahead again |
| Human Health Risks | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher | Diesel emits more harmful particles |
Diesel wins on most fronts except human health. That’s a big trade-off, and it matters.
What This Means for Nigeria
People often assume progress means moving to electric. But we’re not all there yet. Most Nigerians are still buying diesel or petrol cars. That’s our reality.
This study helps us make better choices within that reality.
☞ For someone buying a car today:
Diesel might be the more environmentally conscious option. But if you live in a city with poor air quality, petrol might pose fewer health risks.
☞ If you’re a policymaker:
Should you incentivize diesel over petrol? Or push both industries to reduce emissions with filters and cleaner fuels?
☞ If you’re in the car industry:
Are there ways to lighten vehicles and improve fuel efficiency without skyrocketing cost?
This isn’t just a technical debate. It’s about aligning everyday decisions with long-term outcomes.
Questions Worth Asking
- If diesel is better for the planet but worse for people, what should we prioritise?
- Can better fuel standards help reduce diesel’s health risks?
- Should we invest in retrofitting cars with pollution filters?
- How do we move toward cleaner transport while recognizing most Nigerians can’t afford EVs right now?
We don’t have all the answers. But we need to start asking the right questions.
What We Can Do (Right Now)
Consumers:
☞ Reduce use when possible: walk, share rides, use public transport
☞ Maintain your car regularly to reduce emissions
☞ If you’re buying: ask about fuel efficiency and emissions, not just price
Government:
☞ Set stricter emission standards
☞ Support retrofitting of diesel vehicles with filters
☞ Incentivize cleaner fuel production
Businesses:
☞ Source lighter car materials
☞ Offer consumer education on environmental performance
Looking Ahead:
The Bigger Conversation
This case study is about diesel vs petrol. But it’s really about what we do with the tools we have.
Electric vehicles sound great. But until power grids are reliable, charging infrastructure is widespread, and costs come down, they aren’t the answer for most Nigerians.
So what can we do now? Make better use of what’s already in play.
This project from our Knowledge Lab isn’t the final word. It’s a spark. A model for how we can think differently about common things. A push to turn research into reflection and, eventually, into action.
Because sustainability thinking in Africa isn’t about copying what works elsewhere. It’s about starting where we are, asking better questions, and building knowledge that drives real decisions.
Curious about the full analysis? You can read the full technical report here: A lifecycle Assessment of Car Transportation in Nigeria, for a deeper dive into our methodology, data, and findings.
We’re building a community of thinkers, doers, researchers, and storytellers across Africa. If this kind of research speaks to you, let’s connect.
Susbridge Knowledge Lab is an independent research and storytelling initiative that redefines sustainability thinking in Africa.