Cooking Gas Prices Surge Nationwide as Dealers Release New Rates
Consumers across Nigeria are grappling with a significant increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, as retailers have released updated rates for various cylinder sizes. The price surge is putting immense pressure on household budgets and contradicting federal government campaigns that promote clean and affordable energy use.
Detailed Price Increases Across Regions
Findings indicate that cooking gas now sells for as high as N1,500 per kilogram in many parts of the country. Depot prices have also escalated dramatically, with 20 metric tonnes of LPG now costing over N21 million, a notable increase from the N18 million recorded in March.
While the South-South region reportedly experiences the highest prices, other regions, including the North, are also witnessing steady increases, albeit at slightly lower levels. In Kano, some vendors are selling 12.5kg cylinders for as much as N16,800. At MM Fago, a retail outlet, the price rose from N14,800 to N16,800, while refilling a 6kg cylinder increased from N7,400 to N8,400.
However, prices vary significantly across different outlets. For instance, at Alfa Tashir LPG plant, a kilogram sells for N1,220, which translates to N15,250 for a 12.5kg cylinder and N7,320 for a 6kg cylinder. A resident, Nasiru Ali, mentioned that he often purchases from retail outlets because transport costs make depot prices less attractive.
Households Resort to Alternative Cooking Methods
Several consumers have reported switching to alternative cooking methods due to the high cost of gas. A civil servant, Mrs. Aduke Joseph, stated that she now alternates between gas and charcoal to manage her expenses effectively.
"I choose specific days to use cooking gas and sometimes rely on charcoal to supplement this," she explained. Similarly, Ibadan-based housewife Ashabi Lawal said she has temporarily switched to firewood, coal, and sawdust because of affordability challenges.
In Abuja, residents have also noted an increased reliance on charcoal stoves. Halima Ibrahim revealed that refilling a 6kg cylinder now costs around N7,800, which she considers unsustainable. Some users have adjusted their consumption patterns to cope, such as Abuja resident David Emmanuel, who now buys smaller quantities of gas during refills.
A dealer attributed the retail prices to upstream costs, noting that marketers supply gas to retailers at about N1,000 to N1,100 per kilogram, leaving a margin of around N200.
Factors Driving the Price Increase
Observers link the rising cost of LPG to a combination of global and domestic factors. These include geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affect oil production and shipping, as well as the depreciation of the naira against major currencies.
Limited domestic supply and infrastructure gaps have further increased Nigeria's reliance on imports, pushing prices higher. Data indicates that the country's cooking gas supply dropped from 5.1 metric tonnes per day in December 2025 to about 4.7 metric tonnes in February 2026.
Despite this decline, indigenous sources, including the Nigeria LNG (NLNG), accounted for approximately 87% of the supply in 2025. However, the ongoing challenges have led many households to switch to alternatives like charcoal and firewood due to affordability issues.
Calls for Government Intervention
Many Nigerians are urging the government to take decisive steps to stabilize prices and boost local supply. A businessman, Rasheed Adeleke, who spoke with Daily Trust, emphasized that the rising cost of cooking gas has disrupted his household budget and increased overall energy expenses.
He called for policies that would encourage greater domestic utilization of gas and reduce dependence on imports. According to him, sustained high prices could discourage the adoption of cooking gas and undermine efforts to promote cleaner energy in the country.
Experts warn that ongoing instability in global energy markets, driven by geopolitical tensions, will likely lead to higher premiums for essential energy products, further exacerbating the situation for Nigerian consumers.
