FG orders NMDPRA to stabilise cooking gas prices amid soaring costs
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify engagement with producers and marketers to restore stability in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, issued the directive on Monday, urging all stakeholders to sustain domestic LPG supply amid mounting consumer concerns over persistent price increases.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, the Minister disclosed that marketers have committed to increasing import volumes to complement domestic production. He also noted that deliveries from Seplat Energy’s new gas facility, expected to commence in July, would significantly boost national LPG supply.
Why cooking gas prices are rising
Mr Ekpo attributed recent price adjustments to prevailing market realities, including:
· Foreign exchange volatility
· Rising logistics costs
· Infrastructure constraints
· Fluctuations in international LPG prices
He cautioned against misinterpreting these factors as evidence of policy failure, emphasising that regulatory measures remain firmly in place to prioritise local needs.
No exports of domestic LPG, Minister assures
The Minister confirmed that no producer is exporting LPG volumes designated for the domestic market, as regulatory frameworks remain robust to safeguard local supply.
“This commitment is reflected in ongoing interventions designed to stabilise the domestic LPG market, including the Minister’s directive that all LPG produced in Nigeria be prioritised for local consumption,” he stated.
“This policy has already strengthened domestic supply, reduced dependence on imports and improved market resilience.
“The outlook for LPG supply remains positive, and the Federal Government will continue to pursue measures that enhance availability, affordability and long-term energy security for Nigerian consumers.”
Current market prices
Cooking gas currently sells at approximately N2,000 per kilogramme at roadside retail outlets, while major marketers such as NIPCO offer N1,600 per kilogramme.
Consumers have expressed growing frustration over the hardship caused by the recent price surge, urging the Federal Government to take urgent action to address the situation.