The study analysed the variation in the cost implications and monetary benefits of artisanal oil refinery in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.A total of 1200 questionnaire were administered on community dwellers, while 313 copies were administered on artisanal refinery owners in the study area, however, 1140 of the questionnaires administered on community dwellers were returned. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results showed that males were more than females in both affected communities and artisanal refineries workers and most of the respondents are found within the working age brackets (18-45 years). Among the affected communities, 27% were businessmen while 21% were students. More of the respondents in the affected communities had no formal education than that of the artisanal refinery workers. Results also showed that generally it takes between one (28.1%) to two (22.3%) weeks to complete an artisanal refinery. The spill over is completed in the third week (22.3%). This pattern does not follow in all the states. The study can be concluded that the time and financial cost of running an artisanal refinery is low and thus encourages locals to invest in it. The consequence of such sporadic opening of poorly developed refineries is severe on not only those operating the refineries but, on the communities, as well. Based on this, the study recommended that government and well-meaning Nigerians should team up to chart a proper way of refining crude, which were both health for operators and locals, and more sustainable.

Keywords : Cost, Monetary benefits, Artisanal, Crude oil, Oil spill, Niger Delta