Nigerians are facing a sharp rise in cooking gas prices amid widespread scarcity. Across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has surged by over 40% in just one week. The crisis is linked to supply chain disruptions caused by a recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Current Gas Prices Across Nigeria
- Lagos: ₦2,500–₦3,000 per kg
- Abuja: ₦1,600–₦2,000 per kg
- Kano: ₦1,800–₦2,000 per kg
- 12.5kg Cylinder (Nationwide): ₦20,000–₦26,000
Many gas plants have run out of stock, forcing consumers to queue for hours or turn to street vendors selling at inflated rates. In some areas, households are switching to charcoal and kerosene, raising health and environmental concerns.
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What Caused the Scarcity?
The PENGASSAN strike disrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery and other key terminals. Loading and distribution were delayed for several days, creating an artificial shortage. Although the strike ended on October 1, supply chains remain unstable. Energy experts say the crisis exposes weaknesses in Nigeria’s domestic gas infrastructure. Despite increased local production, much of the LPG is exported, leaving the domestic market vulnerable to shocks.
Key Entities Involved
- NNPCL: Confirmed the strike’s impact and promised supply restoration
- Dangote Refinery: Nigeria’s largest local LPG supplier, affected by the strike
- NLNG Limited: Supplies Butane to domestic terminals in Lagos and Rivers
- NALPGAM: Warned of opportunistic price hikes by retailers
What’s Next?
Industry leaders expect prices to stabilize as distribution resumes. However, the situation highlights the need for:
- Stronger domestic storage and transport systems
- Direct-to-consumer supply models
- Regulatory enforcement against price gouging
The Nigerian government has yet to announce a formal intervention plan.