Federal Government says it has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify engagement with gas producers, marketers, and other stakeholders to boost importation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, so as to sustain supply and enhance market stability of the product nationwide.
The average retail price of a kilogram of LPG is put at N2,000, forcing many homes in several parts who can not afford the product to go for alternative sources of cooking in the country
Reacting to the development, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by his Spokesman, Louis Ibah, said he had noted concerns expressed by Nigerians over the recent increase, and has reassured Nigerians that the FG remains fully committed to ensuring adequate, reliable, and affordable gas supply for households, industries, and power generation across the country.
“Marketers have committed to increasing import volumes to complement domestic production,” he stated
According to him, the commencement of LPG deliveries from the new Seplat gas facility in July will significantly boost national supply.
The Minister also confirmed that no producer is exporting LPG volumes designated for the domestic market, as regulatory measures remain firmly in place to prioritise local needs.
“The outlook for LPG supply remains positive, and the Federal Government will continue to pursue measures that enhance availability, affordability, and long‑term energy security for Nigerian consumers,” the minister said.
Ekpo explained that the recent hike in prices of cooking gas in the domestic were driven largely by prevailing market realities such as foreign exchange volatility, rising logistics costs, infrastructure constraints, and fluctuations in international LPG prices.
The Minister stated that the price-influencing factors should not be misinterpreted as evidence of policy failure.
This commitment he maintained, is reflected in ongoing interventions designed to stabilise the domestic LPG market, including the Minister’s directive that all LPG produced in Nigeria be prioritised for local consumption.
“This policy has already strengthened domestic supply, reduced dependence on imports, and improved market resilience,” he stated.
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