Cooking Gas Price Will Fall Naturally – Marketers Declare, Give Reasons For Sudden Surge

Marketers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, have attributed the recent surge in the price of the product across the country to rising demand, supply shortage and seasonal pressure.

The spokespersons for the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO), Chinedu Ukadike and Taofeek Lawal, respectively, gave the explanation in separate interviews on Monday.

Their comments came amid growing concerns by Nigerians over the sudden rise in the price of cooking gas in several parts of the country, including Abuja and its environs.

Naija News understands that cooking gas prices have reportedly risen by between 40 and 66 per cent in the last three weeks.

The product, which previously sold between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200 per kilogramme, now sells between ₦1,400 and ₦2,000 per kilogramme in Abuja and neighbouring areas.

The development has added to the financial burden on many households already struggling with the rising cost of living.

It also comes at a time when headline inflation and food inflation stood at 26.50 per cent and 16.09 per cent, respectively, in April 2026.

For many Nigerians, the sharp increase has further worsened the affordability crisis in household energy, especially with the national minimum wage fixed at ₦70,000.

Rainy Season Increasing Demand – Ukadike

Reacting to the price hike, Ukadike said the increase was largely caused by seasonal demand and supply constraints.

He explained that demand for cooking gas usually rises during the rainy season because many households are unable to rely on firewood.

“It’s because of demand now. You know, it’s the rainy season,” Ukadike told Daily Post.

According to him, the wet season often reduces the availability and use of firewood, forcing more people to depend on LPG for cooking.

“Once it comes to the rainy season, all firewood goes off. It’s seasonal. That’s the way it works,” he stated.

Ukadike added that the scarcity of alternative household fuels had also contributed to the current pressure on LPG prices.

Despite the current increase, the NOGASA spokesperson expressed optimism that cooking gas prices would decline as supply improves in the market.

He said market forces would eventually correct the current imbalance once more operators begin to participate actively in the LPG supply chain.

“It will come down naturally,” he said.

Asked when Nigerians should expect relief, Ukadike said the entry of more gas companies would help stabilise the market.

“There are more gas companies that are also trying to come on board. So, I also believe it will come down,” he added.

He maintained that the participation of more operators, including Dangote Refinery, would be crucial in addressing the supply pressure and reducing the burden on consumers.

NIPCO Cites Supply Shortage

On his part, Lawal said the current increase in the price of cooking gas was mainly due to a mismatch between available supply and the growing number of consumers.

According to him, the quantity of LPG in the market is not enough to meet current demand, thereby pushing prices upward.

“It is basically a supply issue. There are few products for a large number of customers,” he said.

Lawal said the most effective way to address the price surge was to improve supply and ensure that the product is available in sufficient quantity across the country.

“The solution is to improve supply to meet the growing demand,” he added.

The latest increase in cooking gas prices has again raised concerns over energy affordability in Nigeria, where many households have in recent years switched from firewood and kerosene to LPG.

However, marketers insist that the current situation is temporary and may ease when supply improves and more players enter the market.