The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant increase in the average retail price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, across Nigeria in March 2026. According to the latest price watch report released on Thursday, May 7, the average cost to refill a 5kg cylinder rose to N7,655.73, marking a 12.60% month-on-month increase from N6,799.18 recorded in February 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the price climbed by 4.55% compared to N7,322.49 in March 2025.
States with Highest and Lowest 5kg Refill Prices
The NBS data highlighted significant regional disparities in cooking gas prices. Kaduna State recorded the highest average price for a 5kg refill at N9,212.21, followed closely by Lagos at N8,909.73 and Taraba at N8,802.78. Conversely, the lowest prices were observed in Bauchi (N6,295.40), Osun (N6,457.35), and Ondo (N6,598.10).
Zonal Analysis for 5kg Cylinders
On a zonal basis, the North-West zone recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N8,137.81, followed by the North-East at N7,890.53. The South-South zone recorded the lowest average price at N7,300.95.
12.5kg Cooking Gas Prices Also Rise
The NBS also disclosed that the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased to N19,652.83 in March 2026. This represents a 15.62% month-on-month increase from N16,997.94 in February 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the price rose by 6.48% from N18,456.24 in March 2025.
States with Highest and Lowest 12.5kg Refill Prices
Nasarawa State recorded the highest average price for a 12.5kg refill at N23,418.12, followed by Kaduna at N23,030.52 and Akwa Ibom at N22,816.74. The lowest prices were recorded in Bauchi (N15,738.50), Osun (N16,143.38), and Ondo (N16,495.25).
Zonal Analysis for 12.5kg Cylinders
Analysis by zone showed that the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N20,701.66, followed by the North-East at N20,351.32. The South-East recorded the lowest average price at N18,432.63.
Diesel Prices Decline
In a related development, the NBS announced that the average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) stood at N1,361.57 per litre in January 2026. This represents a 9.32% decrease compared to N1,501.58 in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, the average retail price declined by 2.86% from N1,401.63 in December 2025.
