Price of Refilling Cooking Gas in Nigeria: What Consumers Need to Know

Price of Refilling Cooking Gas in Nigeria: What Consumers Need to Know

Cooking gas, officially known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), has become a crucial household commodity for millions of Nigerians, offering a cleaner and more convenient alternative to firewood, kerosene, and charcoal. However, in recent months, the price of refilling cooking gas in Nigeria has been a major topic of discussion as many households struggle with fluctuating costs. Understanding the current price trends, the reasons behind them, and what to expect in the coming months is essential for consumers and businesses alike.

As of September 2025, the average price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas in Nigeria ranges between ₦12,500 and ₦14,000, depending on location. In major cities like lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, prices are usually slightly higher due to logistics and demand. Smaller towns and semi-urban areas may have slightly lower prices but still follow the national upward trend.

For smaller cylinder sizes, such as the 6kg and 3kg options, the cost of refilling currently ranges from ₦6,000 to ₦7,000 and ₦3,000 to ₦3,500 respectively. These prices have risen significantly compared to early 2024, when the same 12.5kg cylinder was sold for an average of ₦10,000 to ₦11,000.

Why the Price of Cooking Gas is Increasing

Several factors contribute to the rising cost of LPG in Nigeria:

1. Exchange Rate Fluctuations – Nigeria imports a significant portion of its cooking gas, meaning the price is tied to the exchange rate of the naira against the US dollar. With the naira’s recent depreciation, the landing cost of LPG has increased.

2. Global Oil Prices – LPG is a byproduct of crude oil refining. When international crude oil prices rise, the cost of LPG also goes up, directly impacting local prices.

3. Transportation and Logistics Costs – Rising diesel prices and higher cost of transportation affect the final retail price of gas. This is particularly true for consumers living in areas far from major depots.

4. Domestic Production Shortfalls – Although Nigeria is a major producer of natural gas, domestic supply for cooking gas is still insufficient to meet demand. This forces reliance on imports, which exposes prices to global market volatility.

Impact on Nigerian Households

The increase in the price of cooking gas has put additional strain on Nigerian households, particularly those in the middle- and low-income brackets. Many families are now forced to reduce the frequency of cooking with gas, switching to cheaper but less eco-friendly options like charcoal and firewood. This shift has environmental consequences, contributing to deforestation and increased carbon emissions.

Small businesses, such as restaurants and food vendors, are also feeling the pressure as operational costs continue to rise. For many of them, higher gas prices mean higher food prices for consumers

Government and Industry Response

The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasized the need to increase domestic LPG production and improve infrastructure to stabilize prices. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has encouraged more private sector investment in local gas processing plants. Experts believe that if Nigeria boosts domestic production, prices could stabilize and even drop in the long term.

The price of refilling cooking gas in Nigeria remains a pressing economic issue affecting millions of households. While current prices are relatively high, efforts to expand domestic production and improve supply chain efficiency could bring relief to consumers in the near future. For now, Nigerians are advised to monitor prices regularly, compare filling stations, and explore energy-saving cooking methods to reduce overall costs.