Nigerians in major cities are struggling with sharp increases in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, with retail prices reaching as high as N2,400 per kilogramme in some areas.
The latest hike has intensified the cost-of-living crisis, as families already grappling with rising food and other essential costs are now being forced to abandon cleaner cooking methods in favour of firewood and charcoal.
While official filling stations in places like Ibadan sell gas for between N1,650 and N1,900 per kg, neighbourhood retailers and informal sellers are charging significantly more up to N2,400/kg depending on the location. Many consumers report paying over N2,000 per kg in recent days.
Housewife Deborah Akintola from Ibadan voiced her frustration: “Last week, I bought gas at N1,600 per kilogramme. Now it’s N1,900 and even over N2,000 in some places. In May, it was just N1,000. This is too much, especially with food prices also skyrocketing.”
Another resident, Mary Dada, expressed annoyance at the constant fluctuations: “Every month there’s an increase. It’s really frustrating.”
In Lagos, similar stories abound. Ibrahim Ozigis paid N1,650 per kg this month, up from N1,100 in May, while Desire Billy noted that the rising costs are changing how families cook. “You can’t even use it for beans anymore,” she said.
Some households in Ilorin, Kwara State, have switched entirely to charcoal, describing it as more affordable amid unstable supply and prices.Despite increased local production of LPG, which now meets most of Nigeria’s needs, prices continue to climb.
Marketers say they now pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes, with high transportation and operating costs passed on to consumers.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has warned that the prohibitive prices now well over N1,500 per kg in many places could lead to scarcity and public unrest, while undermining efforts to promote clean energy.
A gas reseller in Ibadan explained the retail challenge: buying at N1,700 and spending N600 on transport leaves little room for lower pricing.
The situation is compounding economic pressures on low-income families and small businesses across the country.
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