Nigerian households and businesses are facing fresh pressure as the price of cooking gas has climbed sharply following an extended supply disruption in Lagos, the country’s largest Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution hub.
The price of LPG, commonly known as cooking gas, has risen from an average of ₦1,200 per kilogram to about ₦1,600 per kilogram within two weeks as shortages at major depots continue to disrupt supply across Lagos and nearby states.
Industry sources disclosed that loading activities at several depots have remained severely affected for nearly two weeks, limiting the quantity of gas available to marketers and retailers.
Findings by Platforms Africa showed that many retail outlets in Lagos are already struggling to maintain adequate stock levels due to reduced supply from depots.
According to Petroleumprice data, Techno Oil was the only depot dispensing LPG as of Friday, May 22, with prices climbing to about ₦1,275 per kilogram compared to the earlier ₦1,200 average.
Operators in the downstream sector have warned that the situation could worsen if supply challenges persist, with some marketers predicting that prices may rise to as much as ₦2,000 per kilogram in certain locations.
Reports indicate that some retail outlets in Lagos and Ogun State have already adjusted prices to ₦1,600 per kilogram.
A marketer, who spoke anonymously, said the shortage has tightened the market significantly and could become more severe if product inflow continues to decline.
The current disruption marks the second consecutive week of supply difficulties at Lagos depots, sparking concerns over a possible nationwide scarcity and further instability in cooking gas prices.
Industry players attributed the challenge partly to global market volatility, rising import costs, shipping delays, and reduced product availability, all of which are affecting Nigeria’s LPG supply chain.
As Nigeria’s major LPG distribution center, disruptions in Lagos usually have ripple effects across the country because marketers in several states depend on the city’s depots for supply.
Analysts warned that prolonged shortages could worsen the financial burden on households and small businesses already struggling with rising energy costs and inflation.
They noted that any sustained disruption in Lagos depot operations often leads to higher prices and reduced supply in other regions of the country.
The latest increase comes amid an already rising trend in cooking gas prices this year.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed continued increases in the cost of refilling both 5kg and 12.5kg gas cylinders nationwide.
According to the NBS, the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder increased from ₦6,395.82 in September to ₦8,081.75 in the latest reporting period.
For 12.5kg cylinders, Borno State recorded the highest refill price at ₦19,391.57, while Yobe and Ondo states followed with ₦19,339.51 and ₦19,289.65 respectively.
With depot operations in Lagos still facing challenges and no clear timeline for supply recovery, market observers say Nigerians may experience even higher cooking gas prices in the coming weeks if supply conditions fail to improve.
