Why Cooking Gas Prices Shot Up — Marketers Explain And Promise Natural Drop Soon

Marketers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, have attributed the recent sharp increase in prices across Nigeria to rising demand, supply shortages, and seasonal pressures.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification was given in separate interviews on Monday by spokespersons of the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Chinedu Ukadike, and the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO), Taofeek Lawal.

Their explanations come amid widespread concerns over the sudden rise in cooking gas prices in several parts of the country, including Abuja and surrounding areas.

In recent weeks, the price of LPG has reportedly increased by between 40 and 66 percent. The product, which previously sold for between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200 per kilogramme, now sells for about ₦1,400 to ₦2,000 per kilogramme in Abuja and nearby locations.

The surge has further deepened the cost-of-living burden on many households already grappling with inflationary pressures. Nigeria’s headline inflation currently stands at 26.50 percent, while food inflation is at 16.09 percent as of April 2026. The development also comes against the backdrop of a ₦70,000 national minimum wage.

Seasonal Demand Driving Prices — NOGASA

Reacting to the increase, Ukadike said the rise was largely driven by seasonal demand and temporary supply constraints.

He explained that cooking gas consumption typically rises during the rainy season as households find it harder to rely on firewood for cooking.

“It’s because of demand now. You know, it’s the rainy season,” he said.

Ukadike noted that firewood becomes less accessible during the wet season, forcing more households to depend on LPG.

“Once it comes to the rainy season, all firewood goes off. It’s seasonal. That’s the way it works,” he added.

He also said limited alternatives for household cooking energy have contributed to the pressure on gas prices, but expressed confidence that the situation would normalise.

According to him, prices are expected to fall as market supply improves and more players enter the sector.

“It will come down naturally,” he said, adding that increased participation from new operators, including major industry entrants, would help stabilise the market.

Supply Shortage Responsible — NIPCO

On his part, Lawal of NIPCO said the price hike is primarily the result of insufficient supply relative to growing demand.

He explained that the available volume of LPG in the market is currently not enough to meet consumption needs nationwide.

“It is basically a supply issue. There are few products for a large number of customers,” he said.

Lawal stressed that the most effective solution is to boost supply and improve distribution across the country to ease pressure on prices.

“The solution is to improve supply to meet the growing demand,” he added.

Despite the current challenges, marketers maintain that the price increase is temporary and expect relief once supply conditions improve and more operators become active in the market.