Nigerians Experience Relief as Cooking Gas Prices Decline in January 2026
In a welcome development for households across Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant reduction in cooking gas prices for the month of January 2026. According to the latest price watch report, the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stood at N5,404.19, marking a 23.25% decrease compared to N7,040.94 recorded in January 2025.
Monthly and Yearly Price Trends
While the price saw a slight monthly increase of 0.82% from N5,360.43 in December 2025, the year-on-year drop provides substantial relief to consumers. For a 12.5kg cylinder, the average retail price rose by 0.83% month-on-month to N13,551.01 in January 2026, but this still represents a 22.27% decrease from N17,432.89 in January 2025.
State-by-State Breakdown of 5kg Cooking Gas Prices
The NBS data highlights stark regional disparities in cooking gas costs. Jigawa State recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N5,892.88, followed closely by Abia State at N5,829.17 and Akwa Ibom State at N5,789.85. On the other end of the spectrum, Bayelsa State offered the lowest average price at N4,891.87, with Sokoto State at N5,008.36 and Katsina State at N5,013.80.
Top 10 States with Highest and Lowest 5kg Refill Prices
Highest Prices:
- Jigawa: N5,892.88
- Abia: N5,829.17
- Akwa Ibom: N5,789.85
- Enugu: N5,785.83
- Kaduna: N5,772.70
- Delta: N5,763.20
- Osun: N5,618.25
- Nasarawa: N5,611.96
- Ekiti: N5,604.81
- Kogi: N5,601.67
Lowest Prices:
- Bayelsa: N4,891.87
- Sokoto: N5,008.36
- Katsina: N5,013.80
- Edo: N5,034.76
- Bauchi: N5,054.00
- Cross River: N5,089.13
- Gombe: N5,111.61
- Kebbi: N5,222.46
- Imo: N5,232.53
- Benue: N5,279.42
Zonal Average Prices for 5kg Cylinder
The data also provides insights into zonal averages, with the South East recording the highest at N5,501.95, followed by the South West at N5,489.73. The North East had the lowest zonal average at N5,319.42, indicating regional variations in pricing.
12.5kg Cooking Gas Prices by State
For larger cylinders, Bayelsa State again led with the lowest average price at N12,229.66, while Jigawa State topped the list for the highest at N14,732.19. Other states with high prices included Abia at N14,572.94 and Akwa Ibom at N14,474.62.
Market Predictions for Future Price Drops
Industry experts are optimistic about further reductions in cooking gas prices. Olatunbosun Oladapo, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), predicted continued price drops in the coming days. Reports indicate that in Abuja, LPG is now sold at N1,090 per kilogram, down from N2,000 just weeks ago. Oladapo emphasized that product availability is key to sustaining this trend, offering hope for more affordable energy solutions for Nigerian families.
This report underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria's energy market, with significant year-on-year savings for consumers despite minor monthly fluctuations. As prices vary widely across states, households in regions like Bayelsa and Sokoto benefit the most, while those in Jigawa and Abia face higher costs. The ongoing adjustments in the LPG sector reflect broader economic trends and the impact of market forces on essential commodities.
