The price of liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known as cooking gas, is rising toward N2,000 per kilogramme in parts of Nigeria as Muslims prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays for the Sallah festivities.
A market survey showed LPG prices have climbed from below N1,000 per kilogramme in recent months to between N1,500 and N1,800 in several locations across the country.
Consumers in the South West reported prices of about N2,000 per kilogramme in Ogun border communities, while Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta recorded rates between N1,600 and N1,700. In parts of the North, prices were reported between N1,800 and N2,000 per kilogramme.
Some residents blamed the rising cost on economic hardship and government inaction.
The price increase marks the first LPG hike in 2026 and the second in seven months since October 2025, when industrial disruptions in the oil and gas sector affected supply chains nationwide.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has warned of worsening supply shortages and rising costs, saying the situation could trigger scarcity and deepen hardship for households and small businesses.
In a statement signed by NALPGAM President Edu Inyang and Executive Secretary Bassey Essien, the group described the situation as “sad and rather very pathetic.”
It said marketers are now paying between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG depending on location, contributing to higher retail prices.
“The citizens of Nigeria have woken up to buy cooking gas, which should be a social item, at a prohibitive cost,” the association said.
NALPGAM warned that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to public unrest, business closures and worsening energy poverty.
The association said the crisis is reversing gains made in Nigeria’s clean energy transition, as many households are reportedly returning to firewood and charcoal due to affordability challenges.
It also warned of broader economic risks, including food inflation, job losses, reduced investor confidence and setbacks to climate goals.
Residents also expressed concern about limited availability of cooking gas in some communities and urged the government to intervene to stabilise supply and pricing ahead of the festive period.
