The price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly called cooking gas, has shot up by 34.6 percent in just one week, climbing from ₦12,750 to ₦17,500. The hike is squeezing households already battling rising costs of living.
A market survey conducted across Lagos, Abuja and other major cities confirmed that the retail price per kilogram now ranges between ₦1,350 and ₦1,500, depending on the location.
Strike Action Disrupts Supply Chain
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Mr. Olatunbosun Oladapo, explained that the sharp increase stemmed from the recent industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
He said the strike forced gas plants across the South-West to shut down, disrupting supply and leaving a vacuum in the market.
“Gas runs strictly on demand and supply. Once supply drops, demand pressures prices upward. When PENGASSAN went on strike, plants shut down, and marketers had little choice but to source from alternative outlets at higher costs,” Oladapo told Newsmen.
Dangote Refinery’s Delay Compounds Pressure
Oladapo added that the Dangote Refinery, which has become a key supplier due to its relatively affordable pricing, has not released loading invoices to marketers for over three weeks.
This delay, he noted, has pushed marketers into the hands of competitors who immediately capitalised on the scarcity.
“No marketer wants to keep his plant empty. That’s why many are compelled to buy from these competitors at inflated prices. Sadly, the consumers bear the brunt of these higher costs,” he said.
Relief Expected in Coming Weeks
Despite the squeeze, NALPGAM is optimistic that prices will stabilise soon. Oladapo urged Dangote to increase product trucking to more marketers, stressing that improved distribution would quickly ease supply pressure.
“We believe prices will drop in the coming weeks once supply improves. The key is getting more trucks on the road and ensuring access to product for all marketers,” he noted.
For now, however, millions of Nigerians are paying more for a basic household necessity, a reminder of how fragile the country’s energy supply system remains.