Cost of Refilling Cooking Gas Per Kilogram in Nigeria: An In-Depth Analysis

 

As of March 16, 2025, the price of refilling cooking gas, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), in Nigeria remains a critical topic for households and businesses alike. LPG has become an essential energy source across the country, valued for its efficiency, cleanliness, and versatility compared to traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene. However, its cost is subject to fluctuations influenced by a range of economic, logistical, and global factors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current price of refilling cooking gas per kilogram in Nigeria, the factors driving these costs, and their implications for consumers.

Current Pricing Trends

Recent market insights indicate that the average price for refilling cooking gas in Nigeria as of mid-March 2025 ranges between ₦1,100 and ₦1,300 per kilogram. This translates to an approximate cost of ₦13,750 to ₦16,250 for refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder, a size commonly used in Nigerian households. However, these figures are not uniform across the country. Prices vary depending on location, availability, and local market dynamics, with urban centers often experiencing slightly lower costs due to better access to supply chains, while rural and remote areas face higher prices due to transportation challenges.

The price range reflects a slight decline from earlier reports in 2025, when costs peaked at around ₦1,500 per kilogram in some regions. For instance, in February 2025, depot prices for a 20 metric ton load of LPG suggested retail prices could reach ₦1,200 to ₦1,300 per kilogram, factoring in transportation and retailer margins. The recent dip to an average of ₦1,100 to ₦1,300 per kilogram offers some relief to consumers, though the cost remains a significant burden for many Nigerian families amidst rising inflation and economic challenges.

Factors Influencing Cooking Gas Prices

Several key factors contribute to the variability and overall cost of refilling cooking gas in Nigeria:

1. Global Market Dynamics: Nigeria imports over 60% of its LPG supply, making domestic prices highly sensitive to international market trends. Fluctuations in global oil and gas prices directly affect the cost of imported LPG. While global prices have stabilized somewhat in early 2025, any upward shift in crude oil prices or disruptions in supply chains could push costs higher.
2. Exchange Rate Volatility: The depreciation of the Nigerian Naira against the US Dollar significantly impacts LPG prices. As the Naira weakens, the cost of importing gas rises, and these expenses are passed on to consumers. In recent months, the Naira's exchange rate has remained volatile, contributing to the sustained high cost of cooking gas despite slight reductions.
3. Supply Chain and Transportation Costs: Nigeria’s reliance on imports, coupled with inadequate domestic refining capacity, creates logistical challenges. The cost of transporting LPG from coastal depots to inland regions is exacerbated by poor road infrastructure and rising fuel prices. These factors drive up retail prices, particularly in northern and rural areas far from import hubs.
4. Demand and Supply Dynamics: Seasonal demand fluctuations also play a role. During festive periods or colder months, demand for cooking gas tends to increase, putting upward pressure on prices. Conversely, periods of reduced demand or improved supply can lead to slight price decreases, as observed in early 2025 following the holiday season.
5. Domestic Production Limitations: Despite Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, the country’s refining and processing infrastructure remains underdeveloped. This forces a heavy reliance on imports, exposing the market to external price swings and limiting the potential for cost stabilization through local production.

Regional Price Variations

The cost of refilling cooking gas per kilogram varies across Nigeria’s regions and states, reflecting differences in proximity to supply points and local economic conditions. Based on available data and market surveys:

• South-South and South-East: These regions, closer to coastal depots, often report higher average prices due to demand and logistical markups. For instance, states like Bayelsa and Abia have recorded prices as high as ₦1,300 to ₦1,400 per kilogram.
• South-West: In urban centers like Lagos, prices tend to range between ₦1,100 and ₦1,250 per kilogram, benefiting from better access to supply chains.
• North-West and North-East: Northern states such as Zamfara and Bauchi experience prices ranging from ₦1,150 to ₦1,300 per kilogram, with higher costs in remote areas due to transportation challenges.
• North-Central: States like Benue have reported prices around ₦1,200 per kilogram, influenced by both demand and supply logistics.

These variations highlight the importance of location as a determinant of LPG costs, with rural and northern regions often bearing the brunt of higher prices.

Impact on Nigerian Households

The price of cooking gas has a profound impact on Nigerian households, particularly those in low- and middle-income brackets. With inflation rates remaining elevated—recorded at 32.15% in August 2024 and likely higher in early 2025—the rising cost of LPG compounds the financial strain felt by families already grappling with increased food prices and electricity tariffs. For many, a 12.5kg cylinder costing ₦13,750 to ₦16,250 represents a significant portion of monthly income, forcing tough budgeting decisions.

The high cost of cooking gas has also driven some households to revert to traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal, despite their environmental and health drawbacks. This shift undermines efforts to promote cleaner energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, as LPG burns cleaner and produces fewer pollutants. The Nigerian government and industry stakeholders have acknowledged these challenges, with calls for policies to boost local production, reduce import dependency, and stabilize prices.

Government and Industry Responses

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has hinted at initiatives to address the high cost of LPG. Proposals include removing import duties on LPG, offering incentives to local producers, and investing in domestic refining capacity. Increasing local production could reduce reliance on imports, mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, and lower transportation costs, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Additionally, some industry players have suggested price regulation or subsidies to ease the burden on households. However, such measures would require careful implementation to avoid market distortions or fiscal strain on the government, especially given Nigeria’s economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.

Practical Implications for Consumers

For Nigerian consumers, understanding the current price of cooking gas per kilogram is crucial for budgeting and planning. A 1kg refill costing ₦1,100 to ₦1,300 can last approximately 7.5 hours of cooking time under moderate usage conditions, according to industry estimates. This duration can vary based on cooking habits, stove efficiency, and flame intensity. For a 12.5kg cylinder, this translates to roughly 90-100 hours of cooking, sufficient for several weeks for an average household.

To maximize value, consumers are encouraged to adopt energy-efficient cooking practices, such as using pressure cookers or preparing one-pot meals. Additionally, ensuring the quality of gas cylinders is critical for safety and efficiency. A standard 12.5kg cylinder should weigh between 14.5kg and 15.5kg when empty, as lighter cylinders may not meet safety standards.

Conclusion

The price of refilling cooking gas per kilogram in Nigeria, ranging from ₦1,100 to ₦1,300 as of March 16, 2025, reflects a complex interplay of global and domestic factors. While recent decreases from earlier highs offer some relief, the cost remains a significant challenge for many households. Addressing this issue will require concerted efforts from the government, industry, and stakeholders to enhance local production, improve infrastructure, and stabilize prices.

For now, Nigerian consumers must navigate these fluctuations by staying informed, adopting efficient practices, and advocating for policies that prioritize affordable access to this essential resource. As the economic landscape evolves, the hope is that strategic interventions will bring about more sustainable and affordable cooking gas prices, ensuring that LPG remains a viable and accessible energy source for all.