Nigerian households are facing fresh hardship as the retail price of cooking gas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), climbs to as high as N1,600 per kilogramme in several parts of the country.
The sharp increase comes amid worsening supply shortages at major depots, forcing marketers to raise prices and leaving consumers struggling to cope with rising energy costs.
LPG Shortage Triggers Nationwide Price Surge
Findings from market surveys show that cooking gas prices have surged across Lagos and nearby states due to supply disruptions that have persisted for nearly two weeks. Several depot operators reportedly ran out of stock, while the few still dispensing products raised prices in response to tight supply and rising operational costs.
Retailers now sell LPG at between N1,400 and N1,600 per kilogram, depending on location and availability. Industry data from PetroleumPriceNG revealed that major operators recently significantly increased their ex-gantry prices. Dangote Refinery adjusted its LPG price to N1,120 per kilogram from N1,035, while NAVGAS raised its rate to N1,200. Techno Oil increased its price to N1,275 per kilogramme, and Ardova sold at N1,065.
Large distributors such as Gasland have also pushed prices higher, with consumers paying as much as N1,400 per kilogram before transportation and retailer margins are added.
Crude Oil Volatility Adds Pressure
The rise in cooking gas prices comes despite a slight decline in global crude oil prices during the week. As of May 22, 2026, Brent crude traded around $103.5 per barrel after previously reaching nearly $110. Murban crude sold at about $102.2 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at roughly $96.6.
Although prices dipped marginally from earlier highs, petroleum products in Nigeria have remained expensive due to supply challenges, foreign exchange pressure, logistics costs, and persistent market instability. Energy analysts say LPG prices are heavily influenced by international market trends and exchange rates, making local consumers vulnerable to global oil market fluctuations.
Only a Few Depots Still Dispense Products
Market sources disclosed that loading activities at many LPG depots have slowed significantly because of limited supply availability. Reports indicate that Techno Oil was among the few depots still dispensing LPG as of Friday, May 22, with prices averaging N1,275 per kilogramme.
The prolonged scarcity has tightened supply chains across Lagos and neighbouring markets, forcing many retailers to ration products or temporarily halt sales. Some marketers warned that prices could rise even further if supply conditions fail to improve in the coming days.
Nigerians Resort to Charcoal and Firewood
With cooking gas prices hitting some of their highest levels in months, many families are now abandoning LPG and returning to alternative cooking methods such as charcoal and firewood. Residents say the rising cost of refilling gas cylinders has become unbearable, especially for low-income households.
For many Nigerians, a standard 12.5kg cylinder refill now costs close to N20,000, placing additional strain on household budgets already stretched by economic hardship. The growing reliance on firewood and charcoal has also sparked concerns among environmental advocates, who warn that increased dependence on traditional fuels could worsen deforestation and expose families to harmful indoor air pollution.
As supply shortages persist and depot prices continue to rise, consumers fear that cooking gas may soon become unaffordable for millions of households nationwide.
