By Ayomide Otitoju
Gas marketers have raised alarm over the scarcity and rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, with prices reportedly climbing to as high as ₦1,500 per kilogram in parts of the country.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers) expressed concern in a statement on Sunday, warning that erratic supply and price hikes are worsening hardship for households, small businesses, and food vendors nationwide.
According to the association, marketers are currently paying as much as ₦25.2 million to ₦26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG, depending on location, while retail prices continue to rise beyond the reach of many consumers.
It warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could trigger public frustration and reverse gains made in Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
The group said the shortage is being driven by supply constraints, high depot prices, logistics challenges, and rising operational costs, adding that available products are being sold at “prohibitive” rates across the country.
Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers said the crisis is undermining years of government efforts to promote LPG adoption as a cleaner alternative to kerosene, firewood, and charcoal, noting that many households are now reverting to traditional fuels.
The association also warned of broader economic and environmental consequences, including higher food inflation, job losses, business closures, and setbacks to Nigeria’s clean energy and climate goals.
It called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, producers, importers, and other stakeholders to urgently stabilise supply and pricing in the LPG market.
Recommended measures include increased domestic allocation, improved distribution efficiency, reduced importation bottlenecks, and strategic interventions to stabilise retail prices.
The marketers also urged investment in storage and distribution infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at ensuring affordability and long-term sustainability of the sector.
Reaffirming their readiness to collaborate with regulators and industry players, the association said urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration of access to clean cooking energy in Nigeria.
