Generator fuel cost = litres used per hour × hours used × price per litre. A generator using 1.3 litres an hour for 9 hours a day at ₦1,050 a litre costs about ₦12,300 a day, or ₦319,000 over 26 days. Enter your own generator and fuel price below.
How the Generator Fuel Cost Calculator works
- Enter how many litres your generator uses per hour.
- Enter the hours you run it each day and the days per month.
- Enter today's fuel price.
- See the cost per day, per month and per year.
Worked example
A barber shop runs a small petrol generator for 9 hours a day, 26 days a month. It uses about 1.3 litres an hour, and petrol is ₦1,050 a litre.
Per day: 1.3 × 9 × ₦1,050 = ₦12,285
Per month: ₦319,410
Per year: ₦3,832,920
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the manufacturer's figure instead of your real use
- Forgetting servicing and oil changes
- Not adding fuel to your prices
Need a different calculator?
Measuring your generator’s fuel use
Fill the tank, run the generator for a set number of hours with your normal load, then measure how much it takes to fill again. Divide by the hours. Heavier loads (air conditioners, freezers) use more.
Using the number
Add fuel to your fixed costs and to the price of your services. Compare the yearly cost with options like an inverter or solar, which cost more upfront but less to run.
Frequently asked questions
How much fuel does a small generator use?
Many small petrol generators use about 1 litre an hour at moderate load, more at full load.
Is diesel cheaper to run?
Diesel generators often use less fuel per hour, but compare the prices per litre.
Should fuel be in my prices?
Yes. Spread it over your daily sales.
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