By Richard Benjamin
Nigerians are facing rising cooking gas prices as the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) climbed to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 per kilogram in several parts of the country, according to marketers and retailers.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) said marketers are currently paying between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for a 20-metric-tonne truck of LPG, depending on location.
The association attributed the increase to supply challenges, rising transportation costs, foreign exchange pressures, and continued dependence on imports.
NALPGAM National President Edu Inyang called on the Federal Government and relevant regulators to intervene in order to stabilize supply and reduce pressure on consumers.
“It is sad and rather pathetic that Nigerians now buy cooking gas at a prohibitive cost,” Inyang said in a statement issued on May 25.
Retail prices have risen sharply from levels recorded earlier in the month, with some outlets reportedly selling above ₦1,700 per kilogram.
The increase comes ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, a period that typically sees higher demand for cooking gas and other household commodities.
Food vendors, restaurants, and small business operators say the rising cost is affecting operating expenses, while many households are reportedly reducing usage or seeking alternative cooking methods.
Industry stakeholders warned that continued supply disruptions and price increases could worsen economic pressure on consumers if no intervention is introduced.
