The average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, experienced a significant increase of 12.6 percent on a month-on-month basis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the price rose from N6,799.18 in February 2026 to N7,655.73 in March 2026. This surge is attributed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which continues to impact global energy prices. Nigeria relies heavily on imports to supplement its domestic LPG production.
Year-on-Year Price Comparison
On a year-on-year basis, the price of cooking gas increased by 4.55 percent, moving from N7,322.49 in March 2025 to the current level. The NBS report highlights that the price hike reflects broader economic pressures and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.
State-by-State Analysis
The state profile analysis reveals significant regional disparities. Kaduna recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,212.21, followed closely by Lagos at N8,909.73 and Taraba at N8,802.78. Conversely, Bauchi had the lowest average price at N6,295.40, with Osun and Ondo at N6,457.35 and N6,598.10 respectively.
Zonal Price Variations
Breaking down the data by zones, the North-West region recorded the highest average retail price at N8,137.81, followed by the North East at N7,890.53. The South-South region recorded the lowest average price at N7,300.95, indicating regional disparities in pricing.
Price Trends for 12.5kg Cylinders
The average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder also saw a sharp increase. It rose by 15.62 percent month-on-month, from N16,997.94 in February 2026 to N19,652.83 in March 2026. On a year-on-year basis, this represented a 6.48 percent increase from N18,456.24 in March 2025. These figures underscore the ongoing volatility in the energy market driven by external factors.
