Nigeria’s cooking gas market is facing a major contradiction as prices continue to rise despite a significant increase in local production and a sharp drop in imports.
Recent data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) shows that Nigeria has become more reliant on locally produced Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas. Between April 2025 and April 2026, domestic production from refineries and gas processing facilities supplied the majority of the country’s LPG needs, reducing dependence on imported products.
The report revealed that local LPG supply consistently ranged between 3,300 and 4,500 tonnes per day during the period. By March and April 2026, domestic production had reached 4,500 tonnes daily, making up the largest share of gas available in the market.
At the same time, imports dropped significantly. Imported LPG volumes fell to just 200 tonnes per day in March 2026, compared to 1,600 tonnes in November 2025 and 1,500 tonnes in December 2025. Overall supply across the country fluctuated between 4,200 and 5,200 tonnes per day, reaching its highest level in December 2025 before stabilising in April 2026.
Industry observers attribute the increase in domestic supply to improved performance at gas processing plants and expanded refining operations, including contributions linked to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
However, despite these gains in production, consumers have seen little relief. Instead, the price of cooking gas has continued to rise across many parts of Nigeria. Market checks show that LPG, which sold for less than N1,000 per kilogramme in several locations a few months ago, now costs as much as N2,000 per kilogramme in some areas.
Marketers blame the situation on supply chain challenges, transportation difficulties, and product shortages in certain regions. According to industry operators, LPG has become increasingly difficult to source in some local markets, contributing to higher retail prices.
The rising cost of cooking gas is forcing many households to return to traditional cooking methods such as charcoal and firewood. Experts warn that this trend could undermine years of efforts aimed at promoting clean energy usage and reducing environmental damage.
Meanwhile, several major gas infrastructure projects are nearing completion and could improve the movement of gas across the country. Data from the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company indicates that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project is 93.4 per cent complete, while the OB3 River Niger Crossing has reached 93.88 per cent completion.
The ELPS Midline Compressor Project stands at 94.45 per cent completion, while the Odidi-Warri Expansion Project is over 70 per cent complete. The Escravos-Odidi project remains at an early stage with less than 20 per cent completed.
The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company believes that the near completion of these projects will significantly improve gas transportation and strengthen supply nationwide.
Despite this optimism, stakeholders insist that increasing production alone will not solve the problem. They argue that distribution bottlenecks, logistics issues, and market inefficiencies must also be addressed to ensure lower prices for consumers.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has already raised concerns about the situation. The association disclosed that marketers currently pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of cooking gas, depending on location.
According to the group, the continued increase in LPG costs is placing enormous pressure on households, food vendors, small businesses, and low-income earners who depend on cooking gas for daily activities. The association warned that if urgent action is not taken to stabilise supply and reduce costs, the situation could worsen and reverse the progress made in expanding access to clean cooking energy across Nigeria.
