Nigeria's Cooking Gas Imports Surge Amid Price Crisis

Nigeria's cooking gas imports rose to 16,642.66 metric tons between June 1 and June 19, 2023, as the government seeks to mitigate price surges and supply shortages. According to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the average daily supply of cooking gas improved to 5,040 metric tons, up from 4,262 metric tons recorded in May 2023.

Despite this improvement, retail prices remain high, with consumers paying between N1,600 and N2,100 per kilogram in the southwest. The NMDPRA's Chief Executive, Rabiu Umar, noted that domestic supply gaps and inadequate distribution infrastructure continue to challenge the market.

The agency also reported that Nigeria's LPG stock stood at 85.87 million kilograms as of June 21, representing a 22.08-day supply coverage. The government is considering increasing imports and stricter monitoring of the supply chain to enhance domestic availability.