Nigerian consumers are breathing a sigh of relief as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has recorded a significant drop across the country. This welcome development follows months of severe scarcity and skyrocketing costs that burdened many households.
Market Survey Confirms Price Reduction and Improved Availability
A recent market survey has confirmed that retail prices have eased to a range between N1,000 and N1,400 per kilogramme in several states, including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo. Some major marketers are even reported to be selling directly to consumers at around N900 per kilogramme. This marks a stark contrast from the peak of the crisis in September 2025, when a nationwide hike gripped the market.
The National Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers branch of NUPENG, Ayobami Olarinoye, affirmed that the market has become relatively stable. He attributed this to increased supply, particularly noting that some off-takers are now receiving gas in Apapa, Lagos, which has helped ease the availability challenges of previous months.
Logistics and Location Still Influence Final Cost
Despite the general improvement, Olarinoye explained that the final price paid by consumers still varies. Retail prices at street-level outlets currently range between N1,300 and N1,400 per kilogramme, influenced by factors like neighbourhood, transportation, and logistics. He disclosed that retailers themselves purchase LPG from major marketers at prices between N960 and N1,050 per kilogramme.
Dealers selling below N1,000 per kg are typically major players with their own plants, who sell directly to end-users and bypass the retail distribution chain. This highlights how operational models continue to affect pricing at the consumer level.
Root Causes of the Previous Scarcity and Hopes for the Future
The recent scarcity, most acutely felt in Nigeria's Southwest, was triggered by a combination of supply disruptions and the withdrawal of private importers from the market. A key factor was a technical issue at the Dangote refinery, which stranded many dealers. Furthermore, importers halted shipments as they struggled to compete with the refinery's pricing.
Many consumers now express hope that prices will fall below the N1,000 per kilogramme mark in the new year. They argue that affordable LPG is critical for promoting clean cooking and reducing the reliance on harmful alternatives like firewood and kerosene. While the Dangote refinery has promised to further stabilise the market by selling directly to consumers, experts caution that this approach carries risks for market stability and fair competition.
The current price drop, driven by improved supply since late 2025, offers tangible relief and a positive shift for Nigerian families and businesses dependent on this essential energy source.
