The cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged to ₦25,000 across major cities in Nigeria, up from ₦17,500 just a week ago.
Findings across Lagos and neighbouring states show that 1kg of gas now sells between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000, depending on location, forcing many consumers to ration usage or seek alternatives.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Mr. Bassey Essien, blamed the sharp increase on supply disruptions caused by the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery is currently the largest local supplier of cooking gas.
The PENGASSAN crisis affected distribution, preventing many dealers from replenishing their stocks,” Essien explained.
He, however, expressed hope that prices may stabilise soon following the resolution of the dispute.
The shortage has forced several gas plants in Lagos and its environs to temporarily shut down, leaving residents scrambling from one station to another in search of the commodity.
Meanwhile, Dangote Group Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, recently disclosed that the refinery produces about 2,000 tonnes of LPG daily and plans to expand output to meet national demand.
“If distributors fail to reduce prices, we will sell directly to consumers so that more Nigerians can switch from firewood or kerosene to gas,” he said.
Similarly, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) reaffirmed its commitment to boosting domestic supply, noting that it has dedicated all its butane production to the local market since 2022.
According to the company, a chartered vessel now ensures consistent delivery to coastal terminals in Lagos and Rivers States as part of efforts to make LPG “more available, accessible, and affordable nationwide.”