Cooking Gas Prices Surge in Nigeria, Reaching ₦1,300 Per Kilogram
As of January 31, 2025, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has seen a sharp increase across Nigeria, causing concern among households and businesses. The rise in cost has been attributed to several economic factors, including currency depreciation and global oil price fluctuations.
Current LPG Prices in Nigeria
Retail Prices Per Kilogram & Cylinder Size
- Per Kilogram: ₦1,300
- 3kg Cylinder: ₦3,900
- 5kg Cylinder: ₦6,500
- 6kg Cylinder: ₦7,800
- 10kg Cylinder: ₦13,000
- 12.5kg Cylinder: ₦16,250 – ₦17,000
Refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs around ₦17,000, reflecting a 41.6% increase from ₦12,000 in July 2024.
Factors Driving Price Increases
- Global Crude Oil Prices – The international oil market directly influences LPG prices, as Nigeria relies on imported cooking gas. Rising crude oil prices have made imports more expensive.
- Exchange Rate Instability – The continued depreciation of the Naira against foreign currencies has significantly increased the cost of importing LPG.
- Seasonal Demand – Prices tend to rise during festive periods when demand surges, particularly in urban areas where LPG is the primary cooking fuel.
Regional Price Differences
The cost of refilling a 5kg cylinder varies across regions:
- North-East: ₦6,929 (highest)
- South-East: ₦6,835
- South-West: ₦5,400 (lowest)
Depot Prices for Bulk LPG Supply
As of January 31, 2025, major depot prices for a 20 metric ton (MT) load of LPG were:
- NIPCO: ₦20,100,000
- NAVGAS: ₦20,500,000
Impact on Households and Alternative Solutions
The rising cost of LPG has placed a heavy burden on Nigerian households, forcing many to seek alternative cooking methods such as firewood and charcoal. This shift raises concerns over deforestation and air pollution, affecting both the environment and public health.
Government’s Response: The Push for CNG
In an effort to address the high cost of cooking gas, the Nigerian government is promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and cleaner alternative. Through the Presidential CNG Initiative, authorities aim to leverage Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves to provide affordable energy solutions for households and businesses.
The persistent rise in cooking gas prices underscores the urgent need for economic and policy interventions. Addressing issues such as currency stability, domestic gas production, and supply chain improvements could help mitigate the impact of rising LPG costs on Nigerian households. Until then, many consumers will continue to face the financial strain of higher energy costs.
