Retail prices of cooking gas have started declining across Nigeria following improved product supply, lower depot prices and increased competition among marketers.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers said cooking gas now sells between N1,100 and N1,650 per kilogramme nationwide, with Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta recording some of the lowest prices, while Maiduguri and other North-East cities remain the most expensive because of transportation costs.
The association attributed the price reduction to improved supply from domestic producers and imports, lower depot prices, reduced panic buying and stronger competition among marketers.
The latest decline reverses the sharp increase recorded in May, when supply shortages pushed prices from about N1,000 per kilogramme earlier in the year to as high as N2,400 in some locations.
Based on current prices, consumers now pay between N5,500 and N8,250 to refill a 5kg cylinder, while a 12.5kg cylinder costs between N13,750 and N20,625 depending on location.
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Branch of NUPENG also confirmed that supply has improved, although many neighbourhood retailers still sell cooking gas between N1,600 and N1,800 per kilogramme after purchasing from plant operators at N1,300 to N1,500 per kilogramme.
Industry operators said prices have not stabilised nationwide, noting that communities located far from major LPG depots continue to face higher costs because of logistics expenses.
They expressed optimism that sustained domestic production and imports would further reduce prices in the coming weeks, provided there are no major supply disruptions.
The improvement follows recent government intervention, including the issuance of import licences for LPG and directives from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, warning operators against hoarding and profiteering.
