June 30 (THEWILL) — The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has declined across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), offering relief to households after months of sharp increases that pushed prices close to ₦2,000 per kilogram.
A Nairametrics market survey found that cooking gas now sells for between ₦1,498 and ₦1,650 per kilogram at most retail outlets in Abuja, although some roadside vendors still charge as much as ₦1,850 per kilogram.
At the current rates, refilling a 5kg cylinder costs between ₦7,490 and ₦8,250, while a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦18,725 and ₦20,625, compared with about ₦10,000 and ₦25,000 respectively during the recent price peak.
Industry operators attributed the price moderation to improved product availability at coastal depots and lower wholesale prices. An Abuja-based LPG marketer, Bassey Etanem, said increased supply has gradually filtered through the distribution chain, encouraging competition among filling plants and lowering retail prices.
Energy experts welcomed the development but cautioned that sustained price stability would depend on addressing structural challenges in the domestic LPG market. Energy economist Dayo Abegunde said Nigeria remains exposed to global price shocks because a significant share of its cooking gas supply is still imported.
He stressed the need to expand domestic LPG processing, improve storage facilities and strengthen distribution infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and prevent future price spikes. Oil and gas analyst Edward Bulus also urged the government to prioritise local consumption of domestically produced LPG to ensure more stable prices.
The recent decline follows Federal Government directives to strengthen oversight of the LPG market. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, instructed regulators and security agencies to investigate hoarding, curb market manipulation and support initiatives aimed at increasing domestic supply.
Despite the recent price relief, many households say cooking gas remains expensive and are hoping the downward trend continues as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
