Cooking gas marketers say rising demand during the rainy season, supply shortages and product scarcity are behind the sharp increase in LPG prices across Nigeria.
Cooking gas users across Nigeria are feeling the heat again as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices continue to climb, with marketers pointing to a combination of seasonal demand, supply shortages and market scarcity as the key drivers of the latest surge.
According to a report by Daily Post, LPG prices have jumped significantly in recent weeks, rising from between N1,000 and N1,200 per kilogram to as high as N1,400 and N2,000 per kilogram in Abuja and surrounding areas. The increase comes at a time when many Nigerians are already battling rising living costs, inflation and shrinking purchasing power.
Speaking on the development, the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) spokesman, Chinedu Ukadike, attributed the hike largely to seasonal factors associated with the rainy season.
“It’s because of demand now. You know, it’s the rainy season,” Ukadike said.
He explained that many households abandon firewood during the rainy season, leading to increased reliance on cooking gas.
“Once it comes to the rainy season, all firewood goes off. It’s seasonal. That’s the way it works,” he stated.
Ukadike also cited supply constraints and scarcity as contributing factors but expressed optimism that prices would eventually ease as more operators enter the market.
“It will come down naturally,” he said.
He further noted that additional participation from gas suppliers, including increased production and supply from major industry players, could help stabilize prices in the coming months.
On his part, Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO) representative Taofeek Lawal blamed the situation on a widening gap between supply and demand.
“It is basically a supply issue. There are few products for a large number of customers,” Lawal said.
For consumers already struggling with rising food prices and economic pressure, the continued increase in cooking gas costs adds another burden, raising concerns about affordability and access to cleaner household energy.
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