The price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged to ₦25,000, up from ₦17,500 last week. Checks by Vanguard show that 1kg now sells between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000, depending on the location. According to Mr. Bassey Essien, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), the recent industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) disrupted product distribution. “Dangote Refinery is currently the largest local supplier of cooking gas,” Essien said. “The strike hindered distribution, preventing many dealers from restocking. The situation is driven by demand and supply, but supply should stabilise soon following the resolution of the crisis.” In Lagos and surrounding areas, several gas plants have reportedly shut down due to scarcity, forcing consumers to move from one outlet to another in search of gas. Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, revealed that the refinery currently produces 2,000 tonnes of LPG daily, with plans to increase output to meet national demand. He noted that if distributors fail to lower prices, the company may sell directly to consumers to promote the shift from firewood and kerosene to LPG. Before Dangote’s intervention, NLNG Limited was Nigeria’s primary supplier. The company stated it has committed 100% of its Butane production to domestic consumption since 2022 and supplies LPG through coastal terminals in Lagos and Rivers, with Delta State facilities under review. NLNG added that a dedicated vessel ensures steady delivery, aimed at making cooking gas more available, accessible, and affordable across Nigeria.
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