Rising Scarcity Alarms Marketers as Cooking Gas Price Surges to N1,500 per Kilogram

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has sounded the alarm over the erratic supply and surging costs of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, warning that this crisis could result in widespread scarcity and increased hardship for millions of Nigerians.

According to NALPGAM, the price of cooking gas has soared to over N1,500 per kilogram, with marketers paying between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes, depending on the location. In many areas, consumers are now required to purchase LPG at a rate of between N1,600 and N2,000 per kilogram. Recent market checks have revealed a sharp price increase, from less than N1,000/kg to over N1,500/kg, in a short period.

In a joint statement by NALPGAM’s National President, Edu Inyang, and Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, the association described the situation as both distressing and unacceptable. They noted that Nigerians now face the daunting reality of paying prohibitive prices for an essential household product, while marketers grapple with exorbitant supply costs.

“If the situation is not immediately addressed, there is a real risk of public unrest targeted at gas station owners,” the association warned. They highlighted the severe hardship being inflicted on millions of households, small businesses, and low-income families who depend on LPG for daily cooking and economic survival.

NALPGAM expressed concern that the crisis is undermining the government’s progress in promoting clean energy adoption in Nigeria. Marketers nationwide, they said, are struggling to source LPG due to persistent supply shortages, high depot prices, logistical challenges, and escalating operational expenses. Where supplies are available, prices are far beyond the reach of average Nigerians.

The association cautioned that the crisis threatens years of government efforts and investments to deepen LPG usage and promote clean cooking energy. “Millions who embraced LPG as part of the clean energy transition are now at risk, with many households unable to refill cylinders, small businesses shutting down, and families reverting to firewood and charcoal—with serious consequences for public health, environmental degradation, and deforestation,” the statement read.

NALPGAM further warned that failure to act swiftly could result in accelerated food inflation, the collapse of small LPG retailers, job losses, diminished investor confidence, and a major setback for Nigeria’s clean energy and climate goals.

The association called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, domestic producers, terminal operators, international suppliers, and other stakeholders to take urgent, coordinated action to stabilise the market.

They recommended immediate steps to improve LPG availability and accessibility nationwide, including increased domestic allocations, transparent supply distribution, streamlined importation and distribution, and interventions to stabilise retail prices. NALPGAM also urged investment in storage and infrastructure, alongside policies that support affordability and sustainability in the sector.

“We cannot watch in silence while millions of Nigerian families struggle to access clean cooking energy. Years of progress are now at risk as households and small businesses face severe difficulties. A swift, decisive intervention is needed,” the association appealed, reaffirming NALPGAM’s readiness to collaborate with authorities for lasting solutions.