Households across Nigeria are increasingly feeling the pressure of rising cooking gas prices, with a recent market analysis revealing stark variations in cost across the country. The latest data for April 2025 shows that some states are bearing the brunt of the spike more than others, significantly impacting household budgets and forcing families to adjust their energy usage patterns.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, rose sharply nationwide, with some states recording prices well above the national average.
Top 10 States with the Highest Cooking Gas Prices (April 2025):
1. Ebonyi
2. Anambra
3. Enugu
4. Delta
5. Imo
6. Abuja (FCT)
7. Rivers
8. Bayelsa
9. Akwa Ibom
10. Abia
In some of these states, households paid up to ₦16,000 or more for a 12.5kg refill, significantly above the national average of around ₦12,500. Analysts attribute the regional disparities to factors such as transportation costs, distribution bottlenecks, and demand-supply dynamics.
Impact on Households: Families in affected states are increasingly turning to alternative cooking methods such as charcoal, firewood, or kerosene, raising concerns about health and environmental risks. Others are rationing gas usage or skipping hot meals altogether to cope with the squeeze.
What It Means: This trend may persist if regulatory and supply challenges aren’t swiftly addressed. Experts urge the Federal Government and stakeholders in the energy sector to stabilise LPG supply chains, subsidise critical transport routes, and promote local cylinder refilling facilities to ease the pressure on consumers.
For many households, keeping an eye on local gas prices, and adapting cooking routines, could be crucial in managing monthly expenses in the coming months.
