Marketers warn of cooking gas scarcity as LPG prices surge above N1,500/kg, raising concerns over hardship and supply instability in Nigeria
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has raised concerns over worsening supply disruptions and rising cooking gas prices across Nigeria, warning on Sunday, May 25, 2026, that the situation could trigger scarcity and deepen hardship for households and small businesses.
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The association said Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly known as cooking gas, now sells for over N1,500 per kilogramme in many parts of the country, while marketers reportedly purchase 20 metric tonnes at between N25.2 million and N26.2 million depending on location.
Retail prices, according to the group, currently range between N1,600 and N2,000 per kilogramme, marking a sharp increase from recent levels below N1,000 per kilogramme.
NALPGAM, in a statement signed by its National President Edu Inyang and Executive Secretary Bassey Essien, described the development as alarming and deeply concerning for consumers nationwide.
The association warned that if urgent action is not taken, the rising cost and unstable supply could push millions of Nigerians into further economic distress.
It noted that households, food vendors and small businesses that depend on cooking gas are already struggling to cope with the sharp price increases.
NALPGAM also expressed concern that many families may revert to firewood and charcoal, reversing gains made in the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
According to the association, members are currently battling persistent supply shortages, high depot prices, logistics challenges and increasing operational costs.
It said where product is available, it is often sold at prices beyond the reach of average consumers, creating widespread pressure in the market.
The group warned that the situation is gradually eroding progress made under government-backed clean energy initiatives aimed at increasing LPG adoption nationwide.
NALPGAM further cautioned that continued instability in the cooking gas market could worsen food inflation, threaten small retail businesses and lead to job losses across the distribution chain.
It added that a prolonged crisis could also undermine Nigeria’s clean energy and climate goals, with increased reliance on unsafe traditional cooking fuels posing environmental and public health risks.
The association called on the Federal Government, petroleum regulators, NNPC Limited, producers and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to stabilise supply and pricing in the LPG market.
It recommended improved domestic allocation, better distribution transparency, reduced importation bottlenecks and stronger investment in storage infrastructure.
NALPGAM stressed that coordinated action was needed to prevent further deterioration of the market and protect vulnerable households from rising energy costs.
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The group reaffirmed its readiness to work with relevant authorities to achieve long-term stability in the sector, while urging swift intervention to restore affordability and supply security.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
