A recent market survey revealed that retail LPG prices increased by 15.3% in May 2026, while only three major suppliers  Dangote Refinery, Ardova Plc, and Navgas  currently have available commercial stock.

The sharp rise is adding pressure on households, especially for workers earning the ₦70,000 minimum wage, as refilling a gas cylinder now takes more than a quarter of their monthly income.

Cooking gas remains a preferred household energy source because it is cleaner and faster than kerosene or firewood. However, prices continue to climb despite previous government efforts aimed at boosting local supply by restricting exports.

Industry operators blame the increase on shrinking depot stock, rising domestic demand, and expensive transportation costs. More Nigerians are turning to gas as petrol, diesel, and electricity costs remain unstable, placing additional strain on limited LPG supply.

Ex-depot prices have also risen sharply, and marketers warn that prices could increase beyond ₦1,500 per kilogram if supply challenges continue. High diesel prices used for transporting gas across the country are also contributing to higher retail costs.

As energy expenses continue rising alongside food prices, many low-income households are being pushed toward alternatives like charcoal and firewood despite the health and environmental risks.

Experts recommend several ways to reduce gas consumption, including preparing ingredients before turning on the burner, using pressure cookers, soaking beans and grains ahead of cooking, covering pots while cooking, matching pot sizes to burner sizes, and keeping burners clean to maintain an efficient blue flame.