Households across Nigeria are reeling under mounting economic pressure as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, hits ₦2,500 per kilogram, worsening the cost-of-living crisis and forcing many to turn to cheaper Alternative.
The sudden increase follows the recent industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which has disrupted supply chains and further strained the domestic energy market.
The surge has triggered widespread scarcity across major cities, leading to long queues at gas refilling stations as anxious consumers struggle to secure limited supplies for their daily cooking needs.
The situation has been further compounded by the closure of several gas plants, either due to stock shortages or operational challenges, leaving consumers stranded and uncertain about where their next refill will come from.
Reacting to this, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Bassey Essien explained that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently stands as the largest local supplier of cooking gas in Nigeria.
He noted that the recent crisis involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) disrupted the distribution network, preventing many dealers from replenishing their stock during the period of the industrial action.
According to him, the current situation reflects the basic principles of demand and supply, with demand for cooking gas far outweighing available supply.
However, Essien expressed optimism that supply levels would begin to stabilize in the coming days as the industrial dispute is resolved and distribution activities gradually return to normal.
“What we are witnessing is a function of demand and supply. In practice, the demand for cooking gas is higher than the supply,” he said.
