The Federal Government has announced new measures to address the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, after prices surged to as high as N2,500 per kilogramme in some parts of Nigeria. In response, the government has directed marketers to boost imports to increase supply, reduce scarcity, and stabilize prices nationwide.
Government Orders Increased LPG Imports
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been instructed to intensify engagement with producers, importers, marketers, and other stakeholders in the LPG value chain. He stated that this directive is part of an urgent intervention to address supply shortfalls that have contributed to the recent spike in cooking gas prices. Ekpo emphasized that ensuring adequate LPG availability is a top priority for the Federal Government, and Nigerians should not bear the burden of avoidable supply disruptions.
Rising Prices Worsen Pressure on Households
The intervention comes as many families struggle to refill their gas cylinders amid rising prices. In several cities, the retail price of cooking gas has climbed steadily in recent months, with some dealers selling as high as N2,500 per kilogramme. According to a report by PetroleumPriceNG, the sharp increase has sparked concerns among consumers and energy experts, who warn that persistently high prices could force millions of households to revert to firewood and charcoal, undermining Nigeria's clean energy transition goals. Industry stakeholders have linked the price surge to supply constraints, foreign exchange challenges, and fluctuations in international LPG prices.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Energy
Ekpo reiterated the government's commitment to making cooking gas more affordable and accessible. He explained that ongoing discussions with stakeholders aim to improve domestic supply, encourage investments in gas infrastructure, and resolve market bottlenecks quickly. The minister added that the NMDPRA will continue to monitor developments and work closely with marketers to guarantee a stable supply chain. He stressed that Nigeria, with its vast natural gas reserves, should not experience prolonged shortages or unaffordable LPG prices, assuring citizens that efforts are underway to bring relief.
Hope for Price Stability
Energy analysts believe that increasing imports and strengthening coordination among industry players could help ease supply pressures in the short term. However, they emphasize the need for long-term investments in storage facilities, transportation networks, and domestic gas production. For millions of Nigerians already battling high living costs, the Federal Government's latest move offers hope that cooking gas prices may eventually moderate, bringing much-needed relief to households across the country.
Cooking Gas Landing Cost Crashes
Legit.ng earlier reported that the landing cost of imported petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has dropped significantly, offering fresh hope for lower energy prices. New data from the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) showed that the cost of bringing fuel products into Nigeria has fallen below the ex-depot prices offered by the Dangote Refinery. This development comes as petroleum marketers reportedly imported fuel cargoes valued at about N279 billion to boost supply and take advantage of declining international market prices.
