The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has assured Nigerians that the recent surge in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, is temporary and will soon stabilise as domestic supply improves.
In recent weeks, LPG prices have risen sharply from between ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 per kilogram to as high as ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 in some parts of the country, sparking concern among households and small businesses.
In a press statement signed by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Ekpo attributed the price hike to two major supply disruptions – an industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery, and ongoing maintenance work at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility.
“These disruptions led to a shortfall in supply and a consequent increase in prices due to the demand supply imbalance,” the statement read.
Pinnacle Daily had earlier reported on the rising cost of fuel and cooking gas, highlighting the outcry of Nigerians across several parts of the country.
READ ALSO: Abuja Residents Groan As Gas, Fuel Prices Skyrocket
The Minister, however, assured that the situation was already improving. He noted that operations at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG loading to the domestic market now underway. The Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has also commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG facility is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion.
“With these developments, supply to the domestic market is expected to stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices,” Ekpo stated.
He appealed for calm and understanding from Nigerians, reiterating that the LPG market remains deregulated. The Minister also urged marketers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the LPG value chain to act responsibly and refrain from exploiting consumers.
“The LPG market is deregulated, but I appeal to marketers to be patriotic in their dealings, desist from hoarding, and refrain from exploiting consumers for profit,” the statement added.
To ensure compliance, Ekpo directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots nationwide to prevent product hoarding and other sharp practices capable of worsening the situation.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Slashes ex-Depot Price of Cooking Gas to ₦760/kg
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring sufficient and affordable gas supply to households across the country.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring sufficient and affordable gas supply to every home across Nigeria,” he said.
With the government promising stability within a week, many Nigerians are hopeful that the assurances from the Minister’s office will soon translate into lower prices at refill plants and neighbourhood outlets.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
