As of April 4, 2025, the cost of cooking gas in Nigeria has climbed significantly, with consumers now paying around ₦1,020 per kilogram.
This marks a sharp increase compared to previous years and underscores ongoing challenges in the domestic energy market.
The spike aligns with rising depot prices, which also reflect the pressures on the supply chain. For example, industry data from Genergo Networks reveals that depot-level pricing stood at ₦16.9 million per 20 metric tons, translating to roughly ₦845 per kilogram. Despite this, retail prices are typically higher due to transportation, distribution costs, retailer margins, and regional market variations.
Back in February 2025, retail rates varied across the country, with some locations seeing prices between ₦1,200 and ₦1,300 per kilogram, despite similar depot prices. This disparity points to the influence of local market forces beyond just the wholesale price.
Historical Price Trends
Cooking gas prices in Nigeria have been anything but stable. In April 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a modest 0.69% month-on-month increase in the average cost of refilling a 5kg cylinder, pushing the price to ₦4,642.27. Just over a year later, in August 2024, that same refill size saw a more dramatic rise, reaching ₦6,430.02—a 7.62% increase from the previous month.
The factors driving these increases include:
- The depreciation of the naira
- Removal of fuel subsidies
- Global volatility in energy prices
- Increased demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
In May 2023, a 5kg refill cost around ₦4,360, equating to ₦872 per kilogram. The current price of ₦1,020/kg reflects a considerable year-on-year increase, further straining household budgets and prompting some Nigerians to turn to alternative cooking fuels like charcoal or firewood.
Regional Price Differences
Retail gas prices also differ significantly by state and region. As of August 2024, Benue and Sokoto had some of the highest reported prices for a 5kg refill at ₦7,000, while Taraba offered the lowest average at ₦5,600.67. These variations emphasize the importance of localized pricing strategies and the need for consumers to compare prices before refilling their gas cylinders.
Current Price Breakdown by Cylinder Size
Given the latest retail rate of ₦1,020 per kilogram, here’s a breakdown of estimated refilling costs:
- 1kg – ₦1,020
- 3kg – ₦3,060
- 5kg – ₦5,100
- 10kg – ₦10,200
- 12.5kg – ₦12,750
Looking Ahead
With no immediate solution to the underlying economic pressures, cooking gas prices are expected to remain volatile in the short term. Industry experts are calling for improved regulatory oversight, enhanced local LPG production, and better infrastructure to ensure affordability and consistent supply.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the government and energy stakeholders may need to explore policy interventions to shield consumers—especially low-income households—from further hardship.
