Cooking gas depot prices fall as supply improves, competition rises

Cooking gas prices are falling at some Nigerian depots as increased supplies and stronger competition among operators push down the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The latest development comes amid higher imports and new government directives aimed at improving the availability of petroleum products across the country.

Households could see relief if distributors and gas retailers pass the savings through to consumers.

Depot price cuts across the country

Data from PetroleumPriceNG showed that several depot operators have adjusted their LPG prices downward. Matrix Warri, one of the operators monitored, reportedly reduced its price to about N1,035 per kilogramme. 11Plc reportedly cut its price by N50 to sell at approximately N1,000 per kilogramme, while NAVGAS also quoted a depot price of around N1,000 per kilogramme.

The adjustments indicate growing competition in the downstream LPG market as suppliers respond to changing market conditions. Cooking gas has become an important household energy source in Nigeria, but its rising cost has placed significant pressure on families already struggling with high living expenses.

Retail prices may lag behind

The price paid by consumers at retail outlets may differ from depot prices because of transportation costs, storage expenses, distribution margins and other operating costs. This means households may not immediately see the full impact of the depot price reductions.

Market watchers will be monitoring whether the current depot reductions are sustained and whether they lead to corresponding declines at retail outlets nationwide.

Global crude oil prices and LPG costs

The movement in cooking gas prices has also been linked to developments in the international oil market. According to data from Oilprice.com, Brent crude rose marginally by 1.06% to $83.55 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $78.18 and Murban at $80.25 per barrel.

Although crude prices recorded a marginal increase, analysts noted that they remained below the much higher levels recorded during the recent price surge, when crude approached the $100-per-barrel mark. Changes in global crude prices can influence the cost structure of petroleum products, particularly in an import-dependent market where international prices, foreign exchange movements, freight and other costs affect domestic prices.

What it means for households and businesses

The reduction in LPG depot prices comes at a time when Nigerian households continue to contend with elevated living costs. Any sustained decline in the price of cooking gas could ease pressure on family budgets. For businesses such as restaurants, food vendors and bakeries, lower LPG prices could also reduce operating expenses and potentially moderate the cost of preparing and selling food.

If supplies continue to improve and competition among suppliers increases, LPG consumers could see further price adjustments in the coming weeks. The extent of the relief will depend on supply conditions, exchange rates, import costs and the pricing decisions of distributors and retailers. Nigeria's recent decrease in cooking gas prices has also been linked to a fall in global oil prices and improved local supply, particularly following Nigeria LNG Limited's commitment to the domestic market.