A recent market survey has shown that the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, continues to fluctuate across the country. Although a few filling stations have slightly reduced their rates, others still maintain higher prices, largely influenced by depot costs, transportation challenges, and regional demand.
Current Price Trends
At present, BOVAS filling stations and Ise-Olorun outlets offer the lowest price at about ₦990 per kilogram, making them some of the most affordable suppliers in recent months.
By comparison, Rainoil outlets sell at ₦1,020 per kilogram, while many independent dealers charge between ₦1,100 and ₦1,150 per kilogram, depending on supply-chain costs and their distance from major depots.
Cost Analysis for Households (Based on ₦990/kg)
For consumers who refill at the BOVAS price, the breakdown is as follows:
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1kg – ₦990
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3kg – ₦2,970
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5kg – ₦4,950
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10kg – ₦9,900
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12kg – ₦11,880
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12.5kg – ₦12,375
This means that for an average Nigerian household that uses a 12.5kg cylinder monthly, the cost of cooking gas now stands at more than ₦12,000, a significant burden for many families already grappling with rising living expenses.
Why Prices Differ Across the Country
Several factors are responsible for the uneven retail pricing of LPG nationwide:
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Depot Landing Costs – The initial cost at which cooking gas is purchased from depots largely dictates the final retail price. Stations sourcing from cheaper depots are able to sell at lower rates.
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Transportation and Logistics – With diesel costs remaining high, moving gas from coastal depots to inland locations significantly increases overall expenses.
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Foreign Exchange Instability – The naira’s volatility against the dollar has a direct impact on LPG imports, spare parts, and equipment, thereby raising operational costs.
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Regional Demand and Supply Gaps – Areas with higher demand or limited availability of cooking gas often experience inflated prices due to pressure on supply.
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Distributor Profit Margins – Independent retailers usually add extra charges to cover their overhead costs, making their prices higher compared to major outlets.
Broader Impact on Nigerians
The unstable price of LPG is already forcing many households to reduce consumption or revert to cheaper but unsafe alternatives such as firewood and charcoal. Experts warn that this trend could worsen health hazards and environmental damage if the government does not intervene.
Energy analysts also argue that boosting local gas production and storage infrastructure, coupled with stabilizing the exchange rate, are critical steps toward making cooking gas affordable and accessible for the average Nigerian.
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