Cooking Gas Prices Surge Despite Supply Boost

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has continued to rise across Nigeria despite a significant increase in domestic production and a sharp decline in imports, raising concerns among consumers, marketers and clean energy advocates.

According to reports gathered by RMNews360, cooking gas now sells for as much as N2,000 per kilogramme in some parts of the country, even as local refineries and gas processing plants account for the bulk of national supply.

The development has intensified concerns about affordability, with many households increasingly turning to alternative cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood.

Domestic Production Overtakes Imports

Data obtained from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that domestic LPG production remained strong between April 2025 and April 2026, significantly reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported supplies.

According to the data, average daily domestic LPG supply ranged between 3,300 and 4,500 metric tonnes during the period under review.

In March and April 2026, local production reached 4,500 tonnes per day, accounting for the majority of cooking gas available across the country.

By contrast, LPG imports recorded a substantial decline. Imported volumes dropped to just 200 tonnes per day in March 2026, compared to 1,600 tonnes per day in November 2025 and 1,500 tonnes per day in December 2025.

The report further revealed that total daily LPG supply fluctuated between 4,200 tonnes and 5,200 tonnes, peaking at 5,200 tonnes per day in December 2025 before stabilising at 4,500 tonnes by April 2026.

Industry observers have linked the increase in domestic supply to improved output from gas processing facilities and growing refining capacity, including contributions associated with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

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Consumers Face Rising Costs

Despite the improved availability of locally produced LPG, consumers continue to face rising costs and occasional supply disruptions.

Market checks indicate that cooking gas, which sold for less than N1,000 per kilogramme in many locations months ago, now costs between N1,500 and N2,000 per kilogramme depending on location.

Marketers attributed the increase to distribution challenges, logistics constraints and product scarcity in some markets.

The rising cost has placed additional pressure on households already grappling with inflation and increasing living expenses.

Many families have reportedly begun reverting to traditional cooking methods using charcoal and firewood, a trend that experts warn could undermine efforts to promote cleaner and safer cooking alternatives.

Marketers Warn of Growing Crisis

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) recently raised concerns over rising LPG costs and erratic supply patterns.

In a statement jointly signed by the association’s National President, Edu Inyang, and Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, marketers described the situation as alarming.

According to the association, marketers currently pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of cooking gas, depending on location.

The association warned that the continued increase in prices was imposing severe hardship on households, food vendors, small businesses and low-income earners who rely on LPG for daily cooking activities.

NALPGAM also cautioned that the situation could reverse years of progress made through government policies designed to encourage LPG adoption and reduce dependence on environmentally harmful fuels.

Gas Infrastructure Projects Near Completion

Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s broader gas expansion agenda appears to be gaining momentum.

Data from the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) showed that several major gas transportation projects are nearing completion.

The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project has reached 93.40 per cent completion, while the OB3 River Niger Crossing Project stands at 93.88 per cent.

Similarly, the ELPS Midline Compressor Project has attained 94.45 per cent completion.

The Odidi-Warri Expansion Project is currently 70.28 per cent complete, while the Escravos-Odidi Project remains in its early stages with 17.49 per cent completion.

NGIC described the AKK, OB3 and ELPS projects as “almost complete,” suggesting they could soon significantly improve gas transportation and distribution across Nigeria.

Distribution Challenges Threaten Gains

While rising domestic production and major infrastructure investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s gas sector, stakeholders say production growth alone may not be enough to reduce prices.

Industry experts have stressed that persistent distribution bottlenecks, transportation costs, storage limitations and supply chain inefficiencies continue to affect the final cost paid by consumers.

As the Federal Government pushes to deepen domestic gas utilisation and strengthen energy security, stakeholders argue that addressing these structural challenges will be critical to ensuring that increased production translates into lower prices and improved access for Nigerian households.

For now, however, many consumers continue to bear the burden of rising cooking gas costs despite the country’s growing domestic supply capacity.

Segun Lasisi

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.