Weeks after the Federal Government pledged to address the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, residents of Abuja say prices remain stubbornly high.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted on Sunday revealed that the commodity continues to sell for as much as ₦1,800 per kilogram, especially among roadside retailers.
According to the report, the price of LPG, which previously averaged around ₦1,100 per kg, surged to ₦1,800 per kg following the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In reaction to the hike, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to step up monitoring of LPG depots nationwide to prevent hoarding and artificial scarcity.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, explained that the sharp increase was caused by two key disruptions — the PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and maintenance work at the NLNG Train 4 facility, which temporarily reduced domestic supply.
However, Ekpo assured Nigerians that operations were stabilizing.
“Activities at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG loading to the domestic market now in progress,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat had resumed loading operations, while the NLNG was gradually restoring normal output levels.
Retailers Cite Old Stock for Persistently High Prices
At several retail outlets, sellers insisted they could not reduce prices yet, citing high purchase costs.
“I still have old stock. Once the price we buy drops, we’ll also adjust our selling price,” said retailer Kingsley Paul.
At a major gas plant visited by NAN, cooking gas sold for ₦1,450 per kg, with the outlet’s manager—who requested anonymity—also attributing the price to unsold inventory bought during the price surge.
Experts Urge Government Action to Sustain Clean Energy Goals
As the price crisis drags on, many Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to take firmer action to make cooking gas affordable for households.
Environmental specialist Christian Chibuzor praised the government’s clean energy agenda but cautioned that persistent high costs could undermine its success.
“Cooking gas helps cut carbon emissions compared to firewood, charcoal, or kerosene, improving air quality and reducing respiratory diseases,” he said.
“But if the price stays high, the transition to cleaner energy will be difficult, especially in rural areas. The government must show real commitment to bringing down the cost.”
