In a welcome relief for Nigerian households, the average retail price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has dropped by a substantial 13.3% month-on-month (MoM) in January 2025. The price fell to N16,250 from N18,750 in December 2024, sparking optimism among consumers struggling with rising costs of living.
An in-depth investigation by Vanguard revealed that the price of 1kg of LPG also saw a significant decline, dropping by 13.3% from N1,500 in December to N1,300 in January. While this price varies slightly across different retailers, some accredited gas plants are selling LPG at N1,250 per kg, while others are offering it for as much as N1,400 per kg, depending on the location and supplier.
This price reduction is being hailed as a much-needed relief for Nigerian families, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. Cooking gas, once considered a luxury by many, has become an essential household commodity. The new price adjustment is expected to ease the financial burden on millions of families who rely on gas for cooking, as well as small businesses and eateries that depend on LPG for their daily operations.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Mr. Olatunbosun Oladapo, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), expressed his satisfaction with the price reduction but emphasized that more needs to be done to make cooking gas accessible to all Nigerians.
“As an association, we are advocating for the full usage of LPG as a means of cooking,” Mr. Oladapo stated. “The only way to achieve this is to ensure its affordability. Our goal is to make cooking gas a viable option for every household, regardless of their financial status.”
He further highlighted that the affordability of LPG would not only improve the quality of life for Nigerians but also support the environment by promoting cleaner cooking methods compared to traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene.
This price reduction is not just a win for consumers but also for the environment. LPG is considered a cleaner, more efficient energy source compared to traditional cooking fuels like kerosene and firewood, which contribute significantly to deforestation and air pollution. By making LPG more affordable, the government and industry stakeholders are helping to reduce the reliance on harmful cooking methods, thus contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Moreover, as more Nigerians adopt LPG for cooking, it could create new opportunities for economic growth within the energy sector, with more jobs and business opportunities in the supply, distribution, and retail of cooking gas.
The price decrease can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the global price fluctuations of LPG, local market dynamics, and government interventions. While the reasons for the drop remain multi-faceted, industry experts suggest that the stabilization of global LPG prices and improved domestic distribution have played significant roles in bringing down costs for the end consumer.
While this price reduction is a step in the right direction, stakeholders warn that there are still challenges to overcome. Ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of LPG at affordable rates requires continued investment in infrastructure, regulation, and market transparency. The industry is also calling for policies that can further reduce the cost of production and transportation, which in turn would drive prices even lower.
The 13.3% drop in cooking gas prices is a much-needed win for Nigerian consumers, offering both immediate financial relief and long-term environmental benefits. As the government and industry stakeholders continue to push for greater adoption of LPG, it is hoped that further price reductions and improvements in supply chains will make clean and efficient cooking gas accessible to every Nigerian household.
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