Nigerian marketers are preparing to import large volumes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, as prices have surged by about 140% in many parts of the country amid supply shortages.
Industry sources said cooking gas prices have risen from an average of about 1,000 naira ($0.65) per kilogram in January and February to as much as 2,400 naira ($1.56) per kilogram in recent days. The sources said regulators are issuing licenses to facilitate imports and ease pressure on the domestic market.
According to industry officials, local producers have been unable to meet domestic demand. A source familiar with the situation said a recent decline in LPG supply from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was linked to increased internal consumption rather than exports.
The source said the refinery’s ramp-up to approximately 700,000 barrels per day to meet growing global fuel demand has increased its internal LPG requirements for refining operations, reducing volumes available to the domestic market.
An official of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the agency is working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other stakeholders to improve LPG availability.
Louis Ibah, spokesman for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said marketers have committed to importing larger quantities of LPG to bridge supply gaps.
“Marketers are stepping up their efforts and have committed to importing larger volumes of LPG, ensuring that supply meets demand in the weeks ahead for domestic consumers,” Ibah said.
He said the minister has directed the NMDPRA to collaborate with stakeholders to resolve supply challenges and ensure uninterrupted availability of cooking gas. He added that the Dangote refinery has been encouraged to prioritize LPG supply to the domestic market.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Edu Inyang, confirmed that depot owners are planning to import significant volumes of LPG to address the shortage.
“The depot owners have confirmed to us that they are planning to import enough LPG,” Inyang said.
The Federal Government has maintained that its restriction on LPG exports remains in force. Ibah said the export ban announced by the gas minister is being enforced by the NMDPRA to stabilize domestic prices.
“It’s important to note that none of our producers are currently exporting the LPG meant for cooking in Nigeria, so all resources are focused on meeting our local needs,” he said.
The government’s assurances come as consumers and retailers report persistent shortages and rising prices across several parts of the country. Many households have complained about difficulty accessing cooking gas, while some have reportedly returned to using charcoal and firewood for cooking.
Although Ibah said supply conditions are improving, retailers disputed the claim, saying shortages remained evident as of Monday.
The price increases have persisted despite NMDPRA data showing that domestic production from refineries and gas processing plants supplied the majority of Nigeria’s LPG needs between April 2025 and April 2026, reducing reliance on imports.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers had earlier warned that rising prices and erratic supply could worsen economic hardship. The association said marketers were paying between 25.2 million naira and 26.2 million naira for 20 metric tonnes of LPG and cautioned that prolonged shortages could trigger public frustration.
