By Monsurat Abisoye
Marketers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, have explained the reasons behind the persistent increase in prices recorded across Nigeria over the past three weeks.
Spokespersons for the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO), Chinedu Ukadike and Taofeek Lawal, respectively, attributed the price hike to seasonal factors, increased demand, and supply shortages in separate interviews on Monday.
Recent market observations indicate that cooking gas prices have risen by between 40 and 66 per cent, increasing from between N1,000 and N1,200 per kilogram to between N1,400 and N2,000 per kilogram in Abuja and its surrounding areas.
The latest increase has further compounded the economic hardship faced by Nigerians amid the rising cost of living, with headline inflation and food inflation standing at 26.50 per cent and 16.09 per cent, respectively, in April 2026.
The development has also worsened concerns over the affordability of cooking gas for many households, particularly among low-income earners already struggling despite the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
Reacting to the situation, NOGASA spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike linked the recent increase in cooking gas prices to seasonal demand and supply constraints, while expressing optimism that prices would decline as more operators enter the market.
He explained that the rainy season often leads to a surge in the demand for LPG, as many households reduce their reliance on firewood for cooking.
“It’s because of demand now. You know, it’s the rainy season,” Ukadike said.
According to him, the rise in demand during the rainy season exerts pressure on available supplies.
“Once it comes to the rainy season, all firewood goes off. It’s seasonal. That’s the way it works,” he stated.
Ukadike also identified supply constraints and the scarcity of alternative household fuels as additional factors driving the current increase in prices.
“It will come down naturally,” he said.
When asked when consumers could expect relief, Ukadike noted that the entry of more gas companies into the market would help improve supply and stabilise prices.
“There are more gas companies that are also trying to come on board. So, I also believe it will come down,” he added.
He further stated that increased participation by operators, including the Dangote Refinery, remains one of the key solutions to the current price pressure, expressing confidence that cooking gas prices would ease as supply improves.
On his part, NIPCO spokesperson Taofeek Lawal said the ongoing LPG price hike is largely the result of an imbalance between available products and the growing number of consumers.
According to him, the current volume of LPG in the market is insufficient to meet rising demand, thereby putting upward pressure on prices.
“It is basically a supply issue. There are few products for a large number of customers,” he said.
Lawal stressed that addressing the price surge would require a significant improvement in supply levels to match the increasing demand for cooking gas across the country.
“The solution is to improve supply to meet the growing demand,” he stated.
