Cooking gas prices in Lagos are under renewed upward pressure as a shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply continues to disrupt depot operations and limit availability across the commercial capital.
Supply Disruption at Lagos Depots
Market sources indicate that supply disruptions at major depots have persisted for approximately two weeks, severely hampering loading operations and tightening LPG supply throughout Lagos and surrounding markets. According to petroleum price reports, only Techno Oil is currently dispensing LPG at around N1,275 per kilogram, up from the previous average of N1,200 per kilogram.
In some parts of Lagos, the supply crunch is already affecting product availability, with marketers reporting reduced ability to load desired quantities for retail sales. The shortage marks the second consecutive week that LPG supply at Lagos depots has been affected, fueling concerns of scarcity and price volatility in the domestic cooking gas market.
Retail Prices Expected to Climb
Market participants downstream anticipate a rapid increase in cooking gas prices, warning that retail prices could rise to as high as N2,000 per kilogram if current trends continue. A marketer who spoke on condition of anonymity said: This shortage is making the market tight already, and it is set to become tighter if supply inflow continues to fall.
According to industry operators, global volatilities are passed to Nigeria's LPG supply chain in the form of costly imports, shipping delays, and tight product availability. As Lagos serves as the commercial hub for LPG distribution across the country, disruptions at its depots often replicate nationwide due to the extensive network drawing supply from these loading centres.
Analysts Warn of Broader Impact
Analysts warn that prolonged scarcity may further escalate market woes, particularly for households and businesses still grappling with higher energy costs and widespread inflation. Lagos is Nigeria's largest LPG distribution hub, meaning any sustained disruption in depot operations typically has a ripple effect on supply and pricing across other regions.
Previous Data on Cooking Gas Prices
Legit.ng earlier captured data from the National Bureau of Statistics on cooking gas prices across states. The report, titled Cooking Gas Price Watch, showed increases in both 5kg and 12.5kg cylinders, with some states paying significantly more. The average cost of refilling a 5kg cylinder rose from N6,395.82 in September to N8,081.75. State analysis showed Borno leading with the highest average price at N19,391.57, followed by Yobe at N19,339.51 and Ondo at N19,289.65.
