Cooking Gas Scarcity Worsens as Prices Hit N2,400 Per Kilogram
Cooking Gas Scarcity Worsens as Prices Hit N2,400 Per Kilogram in Lagos and Abuja. Millions of Nigerian households are facing fresh pressure as the ongoing cooking gas scarcity continues to drive prices higher across major cities.
The situation has become increasingly difficult for families, food vendors, and small businesses that rely on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for their daily activities. In some parts of Lagos, Abuja, and other states, consumers are now paying as much as N2,400 per kilogram for cooking gas, a development that has left many Nigerians searching for alternatives.
The latest increase marks another worrying chapter in Nigeria’s growing energy crisis, especially at a time when many households are already struggling with rising food prices and the increasing cost of living.
Prices Climb Across Major Cities
Recent market surveys show that cooking gas prices have risen sharply in several parts of the country.
While some filling stations still sell LPG between N1,650 and N1,700 per kilogram, many neighbourhood retailers now charge between N2,200 and N2,400 per kilogram due to supply shortages and rising operational costs.
Just weeks ago, many consumers were already complaining about paying close to N2,000 per kilogram. The latest increase has pushed prices even further, creating additional hardship for millions of households.
Residents in Lagos and Abuja have been among the hardest hit, with many reporting significant increases in refill costs within a short period.
Why Cooking Gas Prices Are Rising
Industry operators have linked the latest price surge to worsening supply shortages across major LPG depots.
According to stakeholders in the sector, many retailers are finding it increasingly difficult to access products, even after new LPG shipments arrived in the country. Some marketers claim that available supplies are not being distributed evenly, making it difficult for independent retailers to restock.
The Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria reportedly explained that although supply improved slightly after recent cargo arrivals, the market remains under pressure and prices remain extremely high.
Marketers have also blamed rising transportation expenses, logistics costs, and operational challenges for the continued increase in retail prices.
Households Return to Charcoal and Firewood
One of the most concerning effects of the scarcity is the growing number of Nigerians abandoning cooking gas altogether.
Many households now say LPG has become too expensive to maintain, forcing them to return to traditional cooking methods such as charcoal and firewood.
Residents interviewed across different states revealed that they have reduced their use of cooking gas or stopped using it completely because they can no longer afford regular refills.
For many families, the shift back to charcoal represents a major setback after years of efforts to encourage cleaner cooking energy in Nigeria.
Experts Warn of More Hardship
Industry experts have warned that the situation could worsen if urgent action is not taken to address supply challenges.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has expressed concerns that rising prices could undermine years of progress made in promoting cleaner cooking fuels across the country. The group also warned that continued scarcity may increase financial pressure on households, food vendors, and small businesses.
Stakeholders fear that if supply bottlenecks continue, more Nigerians may abandon LPG and return to firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, creating additional environmental and health concerns.
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Calls for Government Intervention
As prices continue to rise, industry operators are calling on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intervene.
Marketers have urged authorities to improve domestic gas allocation, address supply shortages, and create a more transparent distribution system to stabilize prices.
Many industry players also believe that tackling hoarding and ensuring adequate product availability could help reduce pressure on consumers.
Without immediate intervention, experts fear that cooking gas prices may continue climbing in the coming weeks.
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