Nigerians are paying different rates for cooking gas this week, with prices showing slight drops in some areas while others remain high due to local market conditions.
According to recent checks, the average price for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at Rainoil retail stations has dropped to ₦1,020 per kilogram. However, in some locations, the cost still hovers around ₦1,250/kg, reflecting ongoing disparities caused by transportation, supply chain costs, and regional market demand.
At the current Rainoil price, filling common cylinder sizes would cost approximately:
1kg – ₦1,020
3kg – ₦3,060
5kg – ₦5,100
10kg – ₦10,200
12kg – ₦12,240
12.5kg – ₦12,750
Just two months ago, in May, Rainoil was selling LPG for around ₦1,050/kg, indicating a modest price reduction.
What’s Driving the Fluctuation?
Several factors continue to influence the price of cooking gas across Nigeria. Depot prices, for instance, have seen minor changes. While these prices primarily affect petrol, they indirectly impact LPG pricing structures for wholesalers and retailers.
Another major contributor is the variation in transportation costs and supply availability between regions. In Lagos, a 12.5kg cylinder dropped to roughly ₦13,750 in April, down from over ₦17,000 late last year. This decline brought the per-kilogram cost to around ₦1,100. But in states like Osun, Rivers, and Benue, prices remain on the high side due to distribution challenges and demand pressure.
Policy & Production Impact
The federal government’s decision in late 2024 to ban LPG exports was aimed at boosting domestic supply and stabilising prices. Since then, Nigeria has increased local LPG production, now meeting over 70% of national demand. This shift is helping to cushion the country from global energy price shocks and ease import dependence.
With improved local output and slight relief in petrol prices, some experts believe further reductions in cooking gas prices may be possible in the coming months, if regional supply issues are addressed.
Still, until there’s a more uniform distribution network, Nigerians in different parts of the country may continue to pay significantly different prices for the same product.
