Cooking Gas Price Hits N1,500/kg, 12.5kg Cylinder Now Over N18,000
By Aboki Forex —
Cooking gas prices have risen again, piling more pressure on Nigerian households already struggling with high living costs. The new retail price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) now stands at over N1,500 per kilogram in several cities, up from the previous average of N1,300.
This means a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs at least N18,750 to refill, depending on location. Industry stakeholders warn that continued price increases could push more families to switch to cheaper but less clean alternatives like firewood and charcoal.
Supply squeeze and forex pressure drive up costs
Operators blame the latest hike on a supply squeeze at depots, high replacement costs, logistical problems, and foreign exchange pressure affecting imports and distribution. Demand continues to outstrip supply despite efforts to boost domestic production.
Food vendors and small businesses that rely on gas cookers are also feeling the heat. Many have either raised prices or reduced their gas usage to cope.
Households face tough choices
Experts say the trend mirrors deeper problems in Nigeria’s energy sector. If prices keep climbing, more homes may revert to firewood and charcoal, raising public health risks.
Downstream sector players have called on the government to stabilise supply, improve depot operations, and remove bottlenecks in distribution. They want a boost in domestic gas capacity and fewer import hurdles to ease pressure on retail prices.
For now, households are left to bear the burden. Many describe it as another blow to their finances in an already tough economy.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that the average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder rose by 9.82% month on month to N20,268.06 in March 2025, up from N18,456.24. Kaduna recorded the highest average cost for a 5kg refill at N5,838.66, while Katsina had the cheapest at N4,855.80.