Cooking Gas Prices Skyrocket to N1,300 per Kilogram Across Nigeria
The cost of cooking gas in Nigeria has experienced a dramatic surge, with retail prices now reaching as high as N1,300 per kilogram nationwide. This sharp increase follows depot rates climbing close to N1,000 per kilogram, placing significant financial strain on households already grappling with rising living expenses.
Depot Prices Approach N1,000 per Kilogram Threshold
Recent checks at major supply depots reveal wholesale liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have escalated across key distribution hubs. In Lagos, Navgas depot is currently quoting LPG at N1,000 per kilogram, while NIPCO depot sells the product at N950 per kilogram. The Port Harcourt market shows similar trends, with Matrix depot offering cooking gas at N980 per kilogram and Prudent Oghara depot in Warri matching this price point.
Industry operators attribute these adjustments to multiple factors including rising global LPG benchmarks and increased logistics costs directly linked to higher petrol prices. The geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have contributed to global energy price spikes that are now directly affecting Nigerian consumers.
Retail Market Reflects Steep Price Increases
At the consumer level, the impact of depot price increases is already being felt significantly. Data indicates retail LPG prices in parts of Lagos, including Onike, Iwaya, and Yaba, now range between N1,250 and N1,300 per kilogram. This represents a substantial jump from approximately N900 per kilogram recorded just one week earlier.
The price escalation translates to refilling a standard 5kg cylinder now costing between N7,500 and N8,167, while 12.5kg cylinders range from N13,750 to N19,200 depending on location and specific retailer. This upward trend is not limited to Lagos, with similar increases reported across major Nigerian cities.
Nationwide Impact on Household Budgets
In Abuja, a 12.5kg cylinder now sells for between N17,000 and N19,500 in areas such as Garki and Wuse, representing an increase of approximately 25% compared to the previous week. Port Harcourt markets report refilling a 12.5kg cylinder ranges between N18,500 and N21,000, while Kano markets show prices between N9,000 and N10,500 for 6kg cylinders.
Residents express growing concern as the simultaneous increase in petrol and cooking gas prices exacerbates cost-of-living pressures. Amaka, a Lagos resident, highlighted the challenges facing average families: "Everything is going up at the same time. Transport fares have increased because of petrol, and cooking gas is also rising. It is becoming difficult for an average family to cope."
Transportation Costs and Global Factors Drive Increases
Retailers attribute the price surge to a combination of rising transportation expenses and higher international LPG prices. Dealers explain that recent increases in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices have directly impacted the cost of transporting cooking gas cylinders from depots to retail outlets.
One retailer explained the domino effect: "When petrol goes up, everything goes up. We transport the gas with vehicles, and the higher fuel cost is transferred to us by distributors." This transportation cost increase, combined with global market pressures, creates a perfect storm driving cooking gas prices to unprecedented levels.
Historical Context and Bureau Statistics
The National Bureau of Statistics previously reported that Nigerians paid less to refill cylinders in January 2026. According to their latest price watch report, the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas stood at N5,404.19 in January 2026, representing a modest 0.82% increase compared to N5,360.43 recorded in December 2025.
The current price surge represents a dramatic departure from these earlier figures, highlighting how quickly market conditions can change in response to global energy dynamics and local economic factors. As geopolitical tensions continue to influence international energy markets, Nigerian consumers face ongoing uncertainty about future price stability for essential household commodities like cooking gas.
