Cooking Gas Crisis: Retailers Charge ₦1,200/Kg As Bottles Break The Bank

As energy prices continue to fluctuate, Nigerian consumers are encountering a range of rates for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas. This week, Rainoil retail outlets are offering LPG at ₦1,020 per kilogram, though some vendors still charge up to ₦1,250/kg, depending on location and supply chain variables.

These price differences stem from several factors, including transportation expenses, depot sourcing costs, volume-based pricing, and other local market dynamics.

At Rainoil’s current base rate of ₦1,020/kg, refilling common cylinder sizes would cost:

• 1 kg – ₦1,020

• 3 kg – ₦3,060

• 5 kg – ₦5,100

• 10 kg – ₦10,200

• 12 kg – ₦12,240

• 12.5 kg – ₦12,750

Earlier in May 2025, Rainoil’s price hovered around ₦1,050/kg, aligning with other major suppliers before dropping slightly this week.

Depot Costs: LPG depot prices have been volatile. For example, the landing cost of petrol stood at ₦872/litre on April 28 and dropped to ₦868/litre on April 29, impacting the logistics and pricing structure for gas marketers and retailers.

Regional Variations: Prices differ across states due to factors such as transport logistics and local supply-demand dynamics. In Lagos, the cost of a 12.5kg cylinder dropped to ₦13,750 in April 2025, down from ₦17,283 in November 2024, averaging about ₦1,100/kg. However, states like Rivers, Osun, and Benue still experience higher rates, reflecting local economic conditions.

Government Policies: The Nigerian government’s ban on LPG exports, introduced in November 2024, aims to boost local supply and stabilize domestic prices.

Boost in Local Production: Over 70% of Nigeria’s cooking gas demand is now being met through domestic production, easing dependence on imports and reducing the impact of global price volatility.