Cooking Gas Prices in Nigeria Stay High Despite Federal Government Intervention: Abuja LPG Cost Update 2025

Amid rising living costs, cooking gas prices in Nigeria continue to burden households. In Abuja, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly called cooking gas, sells for as much as N1,800 per kg despite Federal Government (FG) pledges to curb the surge. This article examines the persistent LPG price hike in Abuja, its causes, government actions, and implications for Nigerian families relying on this essential fuel.

Introduction

Why are cooking gas prices in Nigeria still soaring? Weeks after the FG vowed to address the escalating cost of LPG, prices in Abuja remain stubbornly high. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey on a recent Sunday revealed roadside retailers charging up to N1,800 per kg, a sharp rise from N1,100 per kg before recent disruptions. This cooking gas cost hike affects millions of households transitioning from traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal to cleaner LPG options.

What is Cooking Gas and Why Does It Matter in Nigeria?

LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a versatile fuel stored under pressure for cooking, heating, and industrial use. In Nigeria, it powers over 10 million households daily, promoting safer kitchens and reducing deforestation. However, supply chain issues have driven LPG prices in Abuja to unsustainable levels, prompting urgent calls for stable pricing.

Analysis

The cooking gas price Nigeria crisis stems from multiple verifiable factors. A strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery halted LPG production temporarily. Concurrently, maintenance at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility slashed domestic supply volumes.

Government Response to LPG Supply Disruptions

The FG directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ramp up depot monitoring to curb hoarding. Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), pinpointed these two events as primary causes. Operations have resumed at Dangote Refinery, with LPG loading underway. Seplat Energy’s Bonny River Terminal has started loadings, and Nigeria LNG nears full restoration post-maintenance.

Retailer Perspectives on Cooking Gas Costs

Abuja retailers hold pre-hike stock, refusing sales below cost. Mr. Kingsley Paul, a vendor, stated he awaits cheaper new supplies from Dangote before lowering prices. At major outlets, prices hover at N1,450 per kg, with managers hopeful for reductions upon fresh deliveries.

Summary

In summary, cooking gas prices in Nigeria persist at N1,450–N1,800 per kg in Abuja due to resolved but lingering effects of the PENGASSAN strike and Nigeria LNG maintenance. FG interventions via NMDPRA monitoring and refinery restarts offer short-term relief, but retailers and experts demand sustainable solutions to make LPG affordable nationwide.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Nigerian households facing high cooking gas costs, practical steps can ease the burden while awaiting price stabilization.

How to Stretch Your LPG Cylinder

Opt for efficient burners that minimize flame waste. Use lids on pots to trap heat, reducing gas consumption by up to 30%. Regularly service regulators and hoses to prevent leaks, which can waste 20% of fuel.

Safe Temporary Alternatives

Switch to electric stoves if power is reliable, or measured use of charcoal in ventilated areas. Bulk-buy from verified NMDPRA-licensed dealers for potential discounts. Track prices via apps or local markets for deals.

Budgeting Tips for Cooking Gas

Allocate based on cylinder size: A 12.5kg refill at N1,800/kg costs N22,500. Plan weekly budgets and join community cooperatives for shared purchases.

Points of Caution

High prices tempt risky behaviors—heed these warnings to stay safe.

Health and Safety Risks of Alternatives

Firewood and charcoal increase indoor air pollution, raising respiratory illness risks by 50% per WHO data. Kerosene poses fire hazards. Never compromise on certified LPG cylinders to avoid explosions.

Avoiding Scams in LPG Purchases

Steer clear of unverified roadside sellers offering “cheap” gas, which may be adulterated. Insist on weight verification at filling points.

Comparison

Comparing LPG prices Abuja to historical norms highlights the anomaly.

Pre- vs Post-Hike Prices

LPG vs Traditional Fuels

LPG costs more upfront but saves long-term: 1kg LPG equals 4kg charcoal in energy output, with cleaner emissions. Rural firewood remains cheaper short-term but harms health and environment.

Legal Implications

While no direct legal violations are cited, FG mandates under the Petroleum Industry Act empower NMDPRA to enforce anti-hoarding rules. Retailers breaching price caps (if imposed) face fines up to N10 million. Consumers can report gouging via NMDPRA hotlines, ensuring compliance with regulatory monitoring intensified post-hike.

Conclusion

The persistent cooking gas price Nigeria elevation underscores supply vulnerabilities despite FG interventions like Dangote restarts and NMDPRA oversight. As retailers anticipate drops with new stocks, environmentalists like Mr. Christian Chibuzor emphasize affordability for LPG’s benefits: lower carbon emissions, better air quality, and fewer respiratory diseases versus firewood or kerosene. A lasting solution requires robust domestic production and distribution to shield households from such volatility.

Path Forward for Stable LPG Prices

Enhanced refinery outputs and LNG efficiencies promise relief. Nigerians urge FG commitment to equitable access, especially in rural areas, fostering a greener cooking future.

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