Nigeria’s cooking gas market is facing fresh pressure as prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) surge sharply across the country, with marketers warning of worsening supply conditions and growing economic strain on households.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) says prices have climbed to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 per kilogram, up from about ₦1,300 in recent weeks, describing the development as “sad and very pathetic.”
Gas Prices Hit New Highs
According to the association, the rising cost has pushed a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas to over ₦21,000 in many parts of the country, making it increasingly unaffordable for average households.
NALPGAM President, Edu Inyang, said marketers are now paying between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for a 20-metric-tonne truck at depots, a cost structure that is driving retail prices higher nationwide.
Supply Shortages Driving Crisis
The association blamed the price surge on supply shortages, reduced local production, high depot charges, and rising logistics costs.
It also noted that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported LPG, despite its vast gas reserves, continues to worsen price instability in the domestic market.
Households and Businesses Under Pressure
The rising cost of cooking gas is already forcing many families to consider alternative cooking methods, including firewood and charcoal, raising concerns about health risks and environmental damage.
Small businesses such as restaurants and food vendors are also feeling the impact, with fears that some may be forced to scale down operations or shut down completely if prices continue to rise.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
NALPGAM has called on the Federal Government, regulators, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to urgently address supply bottlenecks and boost domestic production.
Marketers warned that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen and trigger further hardship for millions of Nigerians dependent on LPG for daily cooking.