NO MORE ₦1, 200/KG? See The Current Price Of Cooking Gas Across Nigeria
The price of cooking gas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), has risen significantly in Nigeria, leaving many households struggling to cope with the escalating costs. As of December 3, 2024, refilling a 12. 5kg cylinder costs an average of ₦17, 000, representing a sharp increase of 41. 6% from ₦12, 000 in July 2024.
For those buying per kilogram, the price now stands at ₦1, 400. Smaller cylinders also reflect this upward trend: 3kg costs ₦4, 200, 5kg goes for ₦7, 000, and 6kg is ₦8, 400. For larger cylinders, 10kg is ₦14, 000, while the 12. 5kg cylinder costs an average of ₦17, 500. These prices have caused a ripple effect on household budgets, especially for low and middle- income earners.
What’ s Driving These Price Hikes?
Several factors contribute to the instability in cooking gas prices:
Supply Constraints: Despite Nigeria’ s vast natural gas reserves, limited domestic processing has forced reliance on imports, which exposes the country to global price fluctuations.
Global Market Dynamics: International energy price hikes directly affect LPG costs in Nigeria.
Currency Depreciation: The weakened naira increases the cost of importing LPG and related equipment, further driving up prices.
Infrastructure Challenges: Poor storage and distribution networks lead to bottlenecks, especially in remote areas, inflating costs.
Government Policies: The removal of petrol subsidies and currency devaluation have increased transportation and operational expenses, indirectly affecting LPG prices.
Even the government’ s recent ban on LPG exports, aimed at stabilizing domestic supply, has not yielded significant results. Prices continue to climb as demand outpaces supply, and distribution challenges persist.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across Nigeria. For instance, Borno State in the North- East recorded the highest price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at ₦7, 939. 29, while Katsina State in the North- West reported the lowest at ₦6, 270. 00.
As Nigerians grapple with these rising costs, many are calling for improved infrastructure and policies to ease the burden on households. For now, cooking gas remains a costly but essential commodity.
