The Nigerian government has announced measures aimed at addressing the recent surge in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, across the country.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority), Rabiu Umar, said during a stakeholders’ meeting that the government plans to rely on targeted imports as a short-term solution to ease supply shortages and reduce prices.
According to him, importing LPG remains the fastest way to close the current supply gap, while efforts continue to improve domestic production capacity.
He explained that expanding LPG storage facilities, terminals, and distribution infrastructure nationwide is essential to stabilise supply and prevent recurring shortages. He also emphasised the need to boost local production through faster gas processing projects and ensure that domestic supply obligations are prioritised by producers.
Umar noted that the recent price increase, which saw cooking gas rise significantly in several parts of the country, was driven largely by market shortages rather than official pricing policy.
He added that the current high cost is not sustainable and is a reflection of supply constraints in the market.
The development follows a sharp increase in LPG prices, which reportedly rose by as much as 75 percent in recent weeks in some locations, forcing many households to resort to alternative energy sources such as firewood.
