Cooking gas prices in Nigeria have recorded another significant increase, with wholesale rates reaching ₦1,450 per kilogram at some major distribution depots, raising fresh concerns about household spending and the affordability of cleaner cooking alternatives.
The latest development follows a series of price adjustments recorded between October 30 and November 2, when several major Lagos-based suppliers increased their rates by between ₦140 and ₦200 per kilogram within three days.
According to market figures published on November 3, Navgas recorded the highest price among the monitored suppliers, increasing its rate from ₦1,250 to ₦1,450 per kilogram. NIPCO and 11Plc also raised their prices from ₦1,225 to ₦1,390 per kilogram, while Rain Oil and Techno Oil moved from ₦1,200 to ₦1,370.
Dangote Refinery recorded a smaller adjustment during the same period, increasing its wholesale price from ₦1,025 to ₦1,050 per kilogram.
However, the market recorded further adjustments by November 6, with available depot price data showing Dangote at approximately ₦1,000 per kilogram, while Navgas, NIPCO, Rain Oil and 11Plc were listed at around ₦1,450.
These figures highlight the differences in wholesale prices across suppliers and show how quickly conditions in the cooking gas market can change.
Higher Cooking Gas Prices Could Increase Household Spending
The rising cost of cooking gas could place additional pressure on Nigerian households, particularly families that depend on LPG for their daily cooking needs and already spend a significant portion of their income on food, transportation and other essential expenses.
Although depot prices do not represent the final amount consumers pay, increases at the wholesale level often influence retail prices as distributors factor in transportation, handling, storage and operating expenses.
For instance, at a wholesale rate of ₦1,450 per kilogram, the gas contained in a 12.5kg cylinder would cost approximately ₦18,125 before additional charges. Consumers purchasing smaller quantities may also experience higher refill expenses as retailers adjust their rates.
The situation could become more difficult for low-income households, many of which have limited room to accommodate unexpected increases in their monthly spending.
Furthermore, families that use larger cylinders may need to allocate more money towards cooking gas, leaving less available for other household necessities.
The impact may also extend beyond individual households, as restaurants, food vendors, bakeries and small businesses that depend heavily on cooking gas could face higher operating expenses.
Some businesses may eventually adjust their food prices to cover the additional costs, creating another potential burden for consumers.
Supply and Demand Continue to Influence the LPG Market
The latest price increase has also renewed attention on the relationship between domestic production, distribution and consumption in Nigeria’s LPG market.
Figures attributed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that domestic LPG supply reached approximately 4.5 kilotonnes daily in September, compared with three kilotonnes in August.
However, daily consumption reportedly increased to 5.2 kilotonnes during the same period, exceeding the available domestic supply.
This difference highlights the pressure created by growing demand, although wholesale prices also depend on other factors, including distribution expenses, supplier pricing decisions and market conditions.
Nigeria has made efforts to expand domestic cooking gas production and encourage households to move away from traditional fuels. However, increased local production does not automatically guarantee lower prices when supply struggles to match consumption.
The cost of transporting products from production facilities and depots to different parts of the country can also influence what retailers charge consumers.
Consequently, households in areas far from major distribution centres may face additional expenses compared with consumers located closer to wholesale suppliers.
Rising Costs Renew Concerns Over Cleaner Cooking
Beyond the immediate financial impact, the increase in cooking gas prices has raised concerns about efforts to promote cleaner cooking alternatives across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cooking has previously warned that rising fuel costs and limited purchasing power could push some households back towards firewood and charcoal.
Although these alternatives may appear cheaper in the short term, their use can expose families to harmful smoke and contribute to environmental problems, including deforestation.
The situation presents a challenge for efforts to expand access to cleaner household energy, particularly among families that cannot consistently afford commercial cooking fuels.
For many Nigerians, the decision to use cooking gas depends not only on its availability but also on whether regular refills remain affordable.
Consumers will therefore be watching developments across major depots and retail outlets for further price adjustments, while the government and industry operators face continued questions about supply stability and the affordability of domestic energy.
Unless market conditions improve, higher wholesale costs could continue to place pressure on household budgets and complicate efforts to encourage wider adoption of cleaner cooking fuels.