The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has called on the Federal Government to integrate licensed marketers into the free cooking gas cylinder distribution and refill programmes, citing their extensive network as key to reaching more households and improving safety. The appeal comes as Nigeria pursues its Decade of Gas programme and targets five million households adopting LPG by 2030.
Marketers Seek Role in FG's Free Gas Initiatives
NALPGAM made the appeal following its 2026 webinar themed “Downstream LPG Operational Excellence and Compliance,” which brought together industry operators, regulators and stakeholders. The association urged the government to include licensed marketers in cooking gas access programmes, including free cylinder distribution, refill support and cylinder recirculation initiatives.
The association argued that its members' proximity to consumers could improve distribution efficiency, strengthen cylinder traceability and support certified local manufacturers. The proposed involvement could also address affordability challenges, particularly for households struggling with the initial cost of acquiring cooking gas cylinders and accessories.
Nigeria Targets Five Million Tonnes of Cooking Gas
Stakeholders at the webinar called for stronger private-sector participation in the Decade of Gas LPG access programme as Nigeria targets annual consumption of approximately five million tonnes by 2030. NALPGAM National President, Barrister Edu Inyang, stressed that increasing cooking gas consumption must go hand in hand with improved safety standards.
“The future of Nigeria’s LPG industry cannot be achieved by increasing volumes alone. We must grow safely, responsibly, efficiently and sustainably,” he said. He added that safety must become a continuous industry culture rather than an occasional campaign.
FG Expands Free Cylinders and Refill Support
The Federal Government's National Grassroots LPG Access Programme aims to help five million households adopt cooking gas by 2030. Under the initiative, beneficiaries receive access to programme-owned cylinders and a structured six-refill subsidy that gradually moves households towards market prices over four to six months.
In July 2026, the government launched free distribution of 3kg cylinders in Bayelsa State. Another rollout announced in Akwa Ibom in August targeted 27,000 filled cylinders for women, with plans to extend the intervention nationwide. These initiatives are intended to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal while making cleaner cooking more affordable.
Marketers Demand Tougher Safety Standards
Beyond distribution, NALPGAM called for stricter compliance with licensing, preventive maintenance and incident-reporting requirements. Participants condemned illegal gas decanting and unauthorised propane blending, warning that unsafe practices threaten consumers and industry investments.
They also recommended smart filling systems, automated tank gauges, flow meters and vehicle tracking to reduce losses and improve accountability. Inyang maintained that regulatory compliance strengthens business performance. “Compliance is not merely a regulatory burden; it is a business advantage,” he said.
The association proposed a nationwide operational excellence standard covering safe facilities, trained personnel, compliant processes and customer protection. NALPGAM reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with regulators and government agencies to ensure Nigeria's expanding cooking gas market remains safe, efficient and accessible.
New Cooking Gas Prices Emerge at Depots
Legit.ng earlier reported that new cooking gas depot prices have emerged across Nigeria, with Dangote Refinery recording the lowest listed rate at N980 per kilogram, below prices offered by other selected suppliers. The development comes as households face rising cooking gas costs, with the average retail price of a 12.5kg cylinder increasing to N17,616.94 in September 2026 from N16,847 in August 2026.
