Nigeria’s cooking gas crisis: Prices soar, families struggle

A nationwide survey by Premium Times reveals how global supply disruptions and long-standing domestic problems have driven up the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), putting severe pressure on households and businesses across Nigeria. The report shows that a combination of international market shocks and local bottlenecks has pushed LPG prices beyond the reach of many families. For millions of Nigerians who rely on cooking gas daily, the price surge means cutting back on meals or switching to cheaper, less safe alternatives. Small businesses, such as roadside food vendors, have also been hit hard. Many report lower profits as they struggle to absorb the higher fuel costs. Some have been forced to raise prices, further squeezing their customers. Industry experts say the crisis stems from two main factors: a global shortage of LPG supplies and persistent issues within Nigeria’s own distribution network. These include poor infrastructure, high import costs, and limited local refining capacity. The survey highlights that without urgent government intervention, the situation could worsen. Analysts call for policies to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on expensive imports.