Cooking Gas Price Hits N2,000 Per Kg, 12.5kg Cylinder Now N25,000
By Aboki Forex —
Nigerian households are facing fresh financial pressure as cooking gas prices surged to between N1,800 and N2,000 per kilogram in major cities. This is up from the previous average of N1,300 per kg, according to reports from depots and retail stations in Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin, and Port Harcourt.
The new pricing means refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs between N22,500 and N25,000. This adds to the existing burden of high food prices, transportation costs, and inflation.
Dealers blame supply shortages and high depot prices
Dealers and marketers attributed the increase to supply shortages, rising depot prices, logistics challenges, and higher operational costs. They explained that the hike in depot prices forced retailers to adjust their prices to cover costs.
The price jump comes just days after Eid-el-Kabir, a period when many families use more energy for cooking. Consumers said the continued rise in LPG prices may push families back to firewood and charcoal, despite the government's push for cleaner cooking energy.
Stakeholders warn of threat to clean energy transition
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) warned that the price hikes could defeat the goal of promoting clean energy in homes. Marketers now pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million per 20 metric tonnes of LPG, depending on location. These costs are passed on to consumers at retail outlets.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) cited a lack of competition in the LPG sector as a cause of recurrent scarcity and price volatility. The group called for greater liberalisation of the sector.
Economist calls for government action
Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, said affordable cooking gas is critical to Nigeria's industrialisation and economic development. He urged the government to consider measures that would make LPG more accessible and support wider adoption of clean energy.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of LPG rose by 13.73% month-on-month, from N7,655.73 in March 2026 to N8,706.93 in April 2026. Year-on-year, the price increased by 10.42% from N7,885.60 in April 2025.
The NBS also reported that the average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder rose by 13.89% month-on-month, from N19,652.83 in March 2026 to N22,382.20 in April 2026.