…As LPG costs soar 67%
Nigeria’s clean cooking drive is facing a major setback, as soaring Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices force many households to return to charcoal and firewood.
Cooking gas prices have risen by about 67% within a month, climbing from below ₦1,500 per kilogramme to as high as ₦2,500/kg in Lagos, while consumers nationwide now face an estimated monthly LPG bill of ₦362 billion, up from ₦224 billion.
The crisis has sparked accusations of supply distortions among major industry players. The Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM) alleged that market practices by refiners and suppliers have worsened shortages, although some companies have denied the claims.
Across Lagos, Abuja, Ilorin and other cities, residents said the rising cost of refilling cylinders has forced them to ration gas usage or switch to cheaper alternatives such as charcoal, which sells for about ₦5,500 per bag. Food vendors and small businesses are also struggling with higher energy costs.
Industry stakeholders attributed the price surge to a combination of global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, declining LPG imports, rising freight costs and inadequate domestic supply. Nigeria consumes about 1.6 million metric tonnes of LPG annually, but local production remains insufficient to meet demand.
Experts warned that the trend could reverse gains made in promoting clean cooking energy, exposing households to health and environmental risks associated with charcoal and firewood use.
While marketers expect supply conditions to improve with the arrival of additional cargoes, analysts urged the government to boost domestic production, improve supply chain efficiency and maintain a competitive market rather than rely on subsidies.
