Cooking Gas Prices Surge to N1,500/kg as Dealers Announce New Rates
The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, has experienced a sharp increase across Nigeria, with dealers and retailers now selling at an average price of N1,500 per kilogram. This marks a significant 14.3 per cent month-on-month rise from the N1,300/kg recorded in the previous month, intensifying concerns over escalating household energy expenses.
Impact on Consumers and Cylinder Prices
Across the nation, consumers are facing substantially higher costs for common cylinder sizes. A 6kg cylinder is now priced at approximately N9,000, while a 12.5kg refill nears N18,750 in various locations, influenced by distribution and retailer margins. This surge is placing additional financial strain on households already grappling with inflation.
Depot Price Increases Drive Retail Spike
The retail price hike is directly linked to steep increases at the depot level. The ex-depot price of LPG has climbed by 16.7 per cent to N21 million per 20 metric tonnes, up from N18 million just weeks ago. Industry sources confirm that major depots, including Rainoil, Nipco, Mobil, and Ardova, have all adjusted their rates upward.
Market data reveals variations in pricing among key suppliers. While Dangote Refinery offers relatively lower rates at about N845/kg, other operators such as Nipco Lagos sell at around N1,000/kg, PPMC at N945/kg, and NAVGAS at N1,025/kg.
Declining Sales and Consumer Adaptation
Inyang Edu, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, has confirmed the price surge and highlighted its impact on consumers. He noted that rising costs have significantly weakened purchasing power, compelling many households to reduce usage or switch to alternative energy sources like firewood and kerosene.
Marketers are reporting reduced sales volumes at gas plants nationwide as affordability becomes a critical challenge, further exacerbating the economic pressures on both consumers and businesses.
Global and Local Factors Influencing Prices
Industry experts attribute the price increase to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil and gas supply chains and driven up energy costs worldwide. Locally, supply constraints are also a contributing factor.
Despite offering relatively cheaper LPG, Dangote Refinery's output remains limited. The facility reportedly receives only a fraction of the crude oil it requires, necessitating the importation of additional feedstock. This combination of global instability and local supply gaps continues to exert upward pressure on prices.
Uncertain Outlook for Cooking Gas Prices
With both international and domestic factors at play, stakeholders warn that cooking gas prices may remain elevated in the near term. For millions of Nigerian households, this adds another layer of financial strain, raising fresh concerns about energy access and affordability.
Dangote Refinery Adjusts Gantry Prices
Legit.ng previously reported that Dangote Refinery has increased its gantry price of LPG to N800 per kilogram, up from N760/kg. This adjustment, effective March 17, 2026, is linked to rising international crude oil prices, which have driven up feedstock and refining costs.
Data collated from LPG depots across Lagos as of March 18, 2026, indicates that prices from other suppliers remain above Dangote's revised rate, highlighting the broader market trends affecting the sector.
