The relentless surge in cooking gas prices across Nigeria is taking a heavy toll on household budgets, forcing many families to adjust their daily routines and seek cheaper energy alternatives.
According to recent market data, the average cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known as cooking gas has risen by over 40 percent in the past three months, with prices now averaging between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 per kilogram in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
The sharp increase has been attributed to the weakening naira, rising global gas prices, and higher import costs due to dollar scarcity. Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest natural gas producer, still imports a significant portion of its domestic LPG supply.
Many households are feeling the pinch. Vendors report that consumers are now buying smaller quantities or reverting to charcoal and firewood a shift that raises environmental and health concerns.
“I used to refill my 12.5kg cylinder for about ₦9,000 earlier this year, but now it costs nearly ₦20,000,” lamented Mrs. Folake Adeniyi, a Lagos resident. “It’s becoming impossible to maintain the same standard of living.”
Experts warn that the spike in cooking gas prices could further heighten inflationary pressures, as the cost of food preparation and related services continues to rise.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has urged the federal government to intervene by addressing supply bottlenecks, improving local production capacity, and ensuring stable foreign exchange access for importers.
Until decisive measures are taken, the burden of high cooking gas prices is likely to persist — worsening the cost-of-living crisis for millions of Nigerian families already grappling with soaring food and transport expenses.
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