Nigerian Cooking Gas Prices Surge 5% Amid Global Energy Market Volatility
Nigerian households are grappling with a significant 5% rise in cooking gas prices in recent days, as major operators, including those associated with the Dangote Refinery, quickly adjust to turbulent global energy markets. This increase is directly linked to a rebound in international crude oil prices, which have been driven higher by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Global Crude Oil Prices Spike, Affecting Local LPG Rates
Market checks reveal that depot owners and key players have released new ex-depot rates to reflect the shifting realities. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Brent crude, Nigeria's benchmark, climbed 3.92% to settle at $98.46 per barrel, according to data from OilPrice.com. Murban crude surpassed $100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to $99.50. This uptick is fueled by renewed conflicts, including Israel's intensified strikes in Lebanon and Iran's continued blockade of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, despite a fragile US-Iran truce.
Experts Warn of Continued Premium Costs for Essential Energy Products
Energy analyst Adeola Yusuf explained to Legit.ng that the persistent volatility in crude oil prices is directly fueling higher global energy costs, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Nigeria. The renewed escalation has exacerbated supply concerns, he stated. Experts caution that as long as instability persists in the oil-rich region, Nigerian consumers will likely continue paying a premium for essential energy products, adding strain to household budgets.
Dangote Refinery and Depot Owners Adjust Cooking Gas Prices
According to data from PetroleumPriceNG, several major operators have already adjusted their rates:
- RainOil and Ardova raised their cooking gas prices to N1,050 per kg.
- A.A. Rano moved to N940 per kg.
- PPMC increased to N950 per kg.
These changes follow earlier adjustments by the Dangote Refinery, which plays an increasingly influential role in domestic supply but remains sensitive to broader international pricing dynamics. For many Nigerian families, the impact is immediate and painful, as cooking gas is a primary fuel for millions, especially in urban areas where alternatives like firewood or charcoal are impractical or environmentally unsustainable.
Dangote Refinery Provides a Lifeline Amid External Shocks
The Dangote Refinery, often hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria's energy independence, has introduced some price discipline through local production capacity. However, its output and pricing remain vulnerable to global crude benchmarks and feedstock availability. Depot operators, acting as critical middlemen, move quickly to pass on cost changes to retailers and ultimately consumers. Industry observers note that while domestic refining helps reduce reliance on imports, external shocks, such as those from the Middle East, continue to transmit rapidly through the supply chain.
Global Tensions Raise Energy Costs, Straining Household Budgets
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas transits, remains a flashpoint that can swing prices with little warning. As tensions simmer, consumers are advised to monitor local depot and retail prices closely, as further adjustments cannot be ruled out. Energy policy stakeholders continue to call for measures to enhance strategic reserves, promote alternative energy sources, and strengthen local production resilience to cushion against such external volatilities. For now, global events far from home are dictating the cost of a basic necessity in Nigerian kitchens, forcing families to tighten their belts or explore efficiency measures.
