Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketers in Nigeria have outlined an ambitious plan to raise the country’s annual gas supply to six million metric tonnes in the coming years, expressing optimism that increased local production will soon ease the high cost of cooking gas.
Outgoing President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, disclosed this during the association’s 38th Annual General Meeting in Abuja, where he reviewed the sector’s progress and future prospects.
Olatunbosun noted that Nigeria’s LPG consumption has more than doubled in the last four years—from less than one million metric tonnes to over two million in 2024—thanks to growing investment, stronger collaboration with government agencies, and greater public adoption of gas as a cleaner domestic energy source.
He projected that by early next year, national consumption could reach three million tonnes annually, adding that the association’s long-term vision is to hit six million tonnes, aligning Nigeria with other major African gas markets like Morocco and Egypt.
According to him, initiatives such as the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” and the National Gas Expansion Programme have been instrumental in driving growth, though challenges such as price volatility and limited access in rural communities persist.
“Affordability is critical. Every household deserves access to LPG,” Olatunbosun said, urging the next leadership of NALPGAM to sustain advocacy for price stability and broader access.
He linked the recent surge in gas prices to temporary supply disruptions caused by plant maintenance and logistics issues, but assured that conditions are improving. The expected entry of Seplat Energy’s gas into the market, alongside additional output from the Dangote Refinery and other facilities, is anticipated to strengthen supply and reduce prices.
Despite Nigeria’s vast gas reserves—estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet—the country still lags behind in domestic gas penetration, especially in rural areas. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority puts current annual LPG consumption at around two million tonnes, well below the potential demand of six million.
Olatunbosun also urged operators to leverage technology to tackle product theft, leakage, and safety lapses, calling on young innovators to develop digital monitoring and logistics tools to modernize the industry.
Reflecting on his four-year tenure, he described his leadership period as one of resilience and transformation, emphasizing the need for continued unity and investment within the association.
As the meeting concluded, members prepared to elect new executives to lead NALPGAM for the next four years, with a renewed focus on expanding gas access, improving affordability, and advancing cleaner energy adoption across Nigeria.
