Rising prices for cooking gas (LPG) and petrol (PMS) are putting a strain on Nigerian households, prompting many to turn to cheaper alternatives such as charcoal and firewood.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cost of refilling a 12kg gas cylinder has increased by 76.41%, from N9,247.40 in September 2023 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.
On a monthly basis, the price rose by 4.89%, from N15,552.56 in August 2024.
The constant rise in pricing has been attributed to the weakening value of the Naira and Nigeria’s reliance on imported gas.
Olatunbosun Oladapo, President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), noted that foreign exchange issues are making it difficult for importers to obtain the monies they require, raising consumer costs.
The rise also impacted smaller gas cylinders. In September 2024, the price of refilling a 5kg cylinder increased to N6,699.63, up 4.19% from N6,430.02 in August 2024 and 59.90% from N4,189.96 in September 2023.
NBS data shows Rivers State has the highest cost for refilling a 12kg gas cylinder at N17,992.86, followed by Gombe at N17,742.86 and Zamfara at N17,475.00. Below are the top ten states with the highest prices:
- Rivers – N17,992.86
- Gombe – N17,742.86
- Zamfara – N17,475.00
- Anambra – N17,291.67
- Edo – N17,271.88
- Osun – N17,159.09
- Enugu – N17,053.57
- Imo – N17,011.76
- Abuja – N17,001.25
- Cross River – N16,965.63
The cheapest states to refill a 12kg cylinder were Adamawa (N13,983.33), Nasarawa (N14,938.50), and Bauchi (N15,000.00).
The South-East had the highest average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N16,957.29, followed by the South-West at N16,665.45, and the North-East with the lowest at N15,770.75.
With gas costs rising, many families are feeling the pinch and looking for more cheap cooking options.
