At a time when many Nigerian households are already stretching every naira to keep up with rising living costs, the price of cooking gas is quietly tightening the noose once again. What used to be a relatively stable household essential is now fluctuating in tandem with petrol and diesel, leaving consumers with little room to plan or adjust.
The Dangote Refinery price hike which saw its LPG ex-gantry price moved to ₦800 could lead to sharp hike in retail prices to as much as ₦1200/kg in the coming days. Industry sources confirm that bulk marketers who lifted products at the gantry are now reselling between ₦830/kg to ₦860/kg, setting the tone for fresh increases across the retail market.
A cooking gas expert and industry stakeholder had earlier warned of this trajectory, noting that, “Yes, definitely. The price of cooking gas will rise… This is because of the cost of logistics… even Dangote refinery has increased its price.” That warning is already playing out in the market, as new depot figures show a steady climb in prices.
Data from Lagos depots as of March 23, 2026, underscores the upward trend. Ardova is selling at ₦1,000/kg, Navgas at ₦990/kg, and PPMC at ₦975/kg, while Dangote-linked supply is now effectively trading around ₦860/kg at the wholesale level. The spread reflects not just supply cost differences but the added burden of haulage, diesel expenses, and operational inefficiencies.
For consumers, the reality is becoming increasingly difficult. The combined effect of rising crude oil prices, logistics challenges, and market-driven pricing continues to push LPG further out of reach. Unless there is a significant easing in global energy markets or deliberate intervention in the domestic supply chain, households should brace for sustained pressure on cooking gas prices.