The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has continued to increase across Nigeria despite a significant rise in domestic production and a reduction in imports, according to industry data.
Figures obtained from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) indicate that local refineries and gas processing plants supplied the majority of the country’s LPG needs between April 2025 and April 2026. The development reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported products.
The data showed that domestic LPG supply averaged between 3,300 and 4,500 tonnes daily during the period under review. In March and April 2026, local production reached 4,500 tonnes per day and accounted for most of the gas available nationwide.
At the same time, imported LPG volumes recorded a sharp decline. Imports dropped to 200 tonnes per day in March 2026, compared to 1,600 tonnes in November 2025 and 1,500 tonnes in December 2025.
Overall LPG availability ranged from 4,200 to 5,200 tonnes daily. Supply peaked at 5,200 tonnes per day in December 2025 before falling to 4,500 tonnes by April 2026.
Industry observers linked the growth in local supply to improved output from gas processing facilities and expanded refining activities, including volumes associated with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Despite the increase in domestic production, consumers continue to face high prices and periodic shortages. Market checks showed that cooking gas, which sold for less than ₦1,000 per kilogramme in many areas a few months ago, now sells for about ₦2,000 per kilogramme in some locations.
Marketers blamed the situation on distribution difficulties and product scarcity in certain areas. They said sourcing LPG has become increasingly difficult in some neighbourhood markets.
The persistent rise in prices has pushed many households to return to alternative cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood. Stakeholders warned that the trend could undermine efforts to promote cleaner energy sources and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, major gas infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation of gas across the country are approaching completion.
Data from the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) showed that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project has reached 93.40 per cent completion, while the OB3 River Niger Crossing stands at 93.88 per cent.
The ELPS Midline Compressor Project is 94.45 per cent complete, while the Odidi-Warri Expansion Project has achieved 70.28 per cent completion. The Escravos-Odidi project remains at an early stage with 17.49 per cent completion.
NGIC described the AKK, OB3 and ELPS projects as “almost complete”, suggesting that they could soon enhance gas transportation capacity across the country.
Industry stakeholders expressed hope that the projects, alongside rising local LPG production, would further reduce reliance on imports and improve product availability. However, they stressed that production increases alone may not bring relief to consumers if distribution challenges and market inefficiencies persist.
The development comes amid ongoing federal government efforts to expand domestic gas utilisation and strengthen the country’s energy security.
Recently, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) raised concerns over unstable supply and rising costs, warning that the situation could lead to shortages and deepen hardship for consumers.
According to the association, marketers currently pay between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG. In a statement jointly signed by NALPGAM National President, Edu Inyang, and Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, the association described the situation as “sad and rather very pathetic”.
“The citizens of Nigeria have woken up to buy cooking gas, which should be a social item, at a prohibitive cost of over N1,500 per kg, while the marketers are made to pay as much as N25,200,000 or, depending on the location, N26,200,000 for 20 metric tonnes of cooking gas.
“We feel that if the situation is not immediately checked, the citizens may rise against the owners of gas filling stations,” the marketers warned.
NALPGAM said the rising costs have placed significant pressure on households, small businesses, food vendors and low-income earners who depend on LPG for cooking and income generation.
The association also cautioned that the situation threatens years of progress achieved through government policies and investments designed to increase LPG usage and encourage cleaner cooking energy across Nigeria.
