Why the Price of Cooking Gas Is Rising in Nigeria

A fresh spike in cooking gas prices is hitting households across Nigeria. In parts of Lagos, the price has jumped from about ₦1,200 to as high as ₦2,500 per litre. 

Some depots are selling at ₦2,000–₦2,200 per litre. In Abuja, prices have climbed from around ₦1,000 to ₦1,800 per litre, with some outlets at ₦1,700. In Ogun State, a litre now sells for about ₦2,200.

Supply is tight in many locations, and some vendors are rationing or holding back stock. A Dealer stated he has the product but not enough to meet demand, so he limits how much each customer can buy. 

“If you ask for 10kg, we give you 4kg so it can go round,” he said. Another dealer, who asked not to be named, said he had no gas for five days; when new stock arrived, customers rushed to buy.

Prices for CNG (compressed natural gas) used by vehicles have also risen, moving from about ₦230 to ₦380 per litre.

The exact cause of the shortage and price surge is not fully clear, but many traders link it to last week’s strike by oil workers, which disrupted operations for several days. 

The Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, described the increase as “relatively artificial,” stating that the strike delayed gas loading by two to three days, which then disrupted distribution. 

According to him, some sellers with existing stock raised prices while supply was tight. He added that as operations normalise and distribution is restored, prices should ease back.