Price of cooking gas rises drastically as marketers give unexpected reasons

Prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, have surged again across major Nigerian cities, leaving many households and businesses struggling to cope.

Marketers attribute the increase to ongoing supply disruptions and industrial actions affecting key producers.

In recent weeks, prices have climbed from around ₦1,000 to between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 per kilogramme in different states.

Residents of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported sharp increases, with consumers expressing frustration at the renewed burden.

Sharp Increases Reported in Lagos, Ogun, and FCT

In Lagos, a food vendor, Modinat Lanre, said the constant price fluctuation has affected her business.

“The price keeps going up. I use gas daily for cooking. It dropped to ₦1,100 per kilogramme after the refinery strike but has risen again to ₦1,300,” she said.

Similar price hikes were recorded in Ogun and Abuja. In Lugbe, a resident bought gas for ₦1,700 per kilogramme, while others in Durumi reported paying as high as ₦2,000.

In Port Harcourt, prices ranged from ₦1,200 to ₦1,600 per kilogramme, depending on location.

Marketers Blame Supply Chain Disruptions

The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) said the recent price spike resulted from persistent supply challenges.

Its executive secretary, Clement Isong, explained that disruptions between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery had created instability in the market.

He added that while short-term supply difficulties persist, long-term plans under Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative aim to stabilise the market by boosting local production, reducing dependence on imports, and developing critical infrastructure such as pipelines and storage facilities.

Government Intervenes to Curb Price Hike

Following the price surge, the federal government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots to prevent hoarding.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the spike was caused by the recent PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and maintenance work at Nigeria LNG’s Train Four facility, which reduced domestic LPG output.

Ekpo confirmed that operations at both facilities have resumed, with loading and supply gradually returning to normal levels.

Importers and Retailers Struggle With Losses

Some importers said they incurred heavy losses when local refinery prices dropped unexpectedly after they had already brought in shipments.

One importer revealed that 10,000 tonnes previously sold for ₦16 million suddenly fell to ₦14 million after Dangote Refinery adjusted its rates.

Retailers also complained they could not sell below cost price. “We still have old stock bought at higher prices,” said Kingsley Paul, a retailer in Abuja. “Once the price at depots drops, we’ll also reduce ours.”

Festive Demand and Limited Supply Exacerbate Situation

Sources said that increasing demand due to weddings, parties, and end-of-year activities has further worsened the situation.

Most companies have reportedly exhausted their yearly gas allocation from the Nigeria LNG, while importers hesitate to restock because of unstable prices and foreign exchange challenges.

MEMAN confirmed that Nigeria still imports about 60 per cent of its LPG, making prices sensitive to international costs and currency fluctuations.

Call for Sustainable Solutions

Many Nigerians have urged the government to make cooking gas affordable to encourage the transition from firewood and kerosene to cleaner fuels.

Environmentalist Christian Chibuzor said high gas prices could derail climate and health goals.

“Cooking gas reduces air pollution and helps fight climate change,” he said. “But if prices stay high, many households, especially in rural areas, will go back to using charcoal and firewood. The government must act to make gas affordable.”