Nigeria’s government announces immediate plan to lower cooking gas prices

The Nigerian government has announced an immediate measure to address the sharp rise in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, across the country.

Rabiu Umar, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), told stakeholders in a recent meeting that targeted imports will serve as the quickest way to reduce the escalating LPG prices.

He explained that importing LPG would help close the current supply gap.

Umar also emphasized the need to expand LPG storage, terminal, and distribution facilities nationwide to tackle scarcity.

"Imports represent the only immediate option for filling the gap created in supply, aside from the prospect of MT supply from Anoh," he said.

"We must expand LPG storage, terminal, and distribution infrastructure nationwide and increase domestic LPG production through accelerated gas processing projects as well as prioritize domestic LPG supply obligations by gas producers," he added.

Umar further noted that the N2,100 per liter price of cooking gas is not cost‑effective but rather market‑induced due to supply shortages.

This comes after cooking gas prices surged by 75 percent in recent weeks, reaching as high as N2,100 per liter from N1,200 in Abuja.

The LPG price hike has driven many Nigerians to use firewood and other cheaper alternatives.