Nigeria Faces Ongoing Cooking Gas Scarcity and High Prices

Nigeria is experiencing a persistent scarcity of cooking gas, with prices reaching N2,400 per kilogram despite recent imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Ayobami Olarinoy, chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retail Association of Nigeria, reported slight improvements in supply following the arrival of LPG shipments in late May, but retail access remains severely constrained.

The situation is exacerbated by local refineries selling LPG to foreign markets for profit, limiting domestic availability. Retailers struggle to obtain gas, with many unable to restock, leading to exorbitant prices in various neighborhoods.

Consumers are increasingly abandoning cooking gas in favor of alternatives like charcoal due to the rising costs. Olarinoy warned that prices are unlikely to decline without government intervention, as the supply challenges persist.

The LPG situation remains critical, with calls for the federal government to create incentives for investors to boost local supply.