Cooking gas prices have risen again, adding to the burden on Nigerian households already struggling with high living costs. The new retail price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) means that refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs over N18,000 in many areas. Industry stakeholders warn that continued price increases could push more families to use alternative fuels like firewood or charcoal.
Price Hike Details
Industry figures indicate that LPG now sells for above N1,500 per kilogram in several cities, up from the previous average of N1,300. Dealers caution that further increases are likely if the supply situation remains critical. Operators attribute the rise to supply shortages at depots, high replacement costs, logistical challenges, and foreign exchange pressures affecting imports and distribution.
For households, this translates to higher spending on daily cooking. A typical 12.5kg cylinder now costs between N18,000 and N20,000 to refill, depending on location. Food vendors and small businesses that rely on gas-powered cookers are also affected, with many raising prices or reducing usage.
Expert Concerns
Experts say the continued increase in cooking gas prices reflects ongoing pressures in Nigeria's energy sector, where demand persistently outstrips supply. Efforts to boost domestic production have not yet stabilized the market. The sector warns that if this trend continues, many households may revert to less clean fuels, exacerbating public health issues.
Downstream sector participants have appealed to the government for immediate action to stabilize supply, enhance depot operations, and remove structural bottlenecks hindering distribution across the country.
State-by-State Price Variations
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average retail price of cooking gas declined slightly in December 2025, but recent months have seen sharp increases. In December 2025, the highest average cost for refilling a 5kg cylinder was in Kaduna at N5,838.66, followed by Jigawa (N5,825.09) and Osun (N5,777.80). The cheapest rates were recorded in Katsina (N4,855.80), Gombe, and Cross River.
Meanwhile, the average price for a 12.5kg cylinder rose by 9.82% month-on-month to N20,268.06 in April 2025, up from N18,456.24 in March 2025. This indicates that the trend of rising prices is accelerating.
Impact on Households
For now, households continue to bear the burden of rising gas prices, which many describe as an additional strain on their finances in a challenging economy. The situation highlights the need for long-term solutions to ensure affordable and accessible energy for all Nigerians.
