Average daily supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, rose to 5,040 metric tons per day (mt/d) in June 2026 even as retail prices remain high above ₦2,000 per kilogramme.
According to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), this reflects an 18.3 percent increase from the 4,262 mt/d supply recorded in May 2026.
The NMDPRA report titled LPG Supply and Pricing Situation in Nigeria, which covered the period between June 1 and 19, indicated that product sufficiency improved to up to 22 days in June 2026.
The report, which presented supply data for all energy companies involved in the distribution, showed that a total of 95,769.26 metric tons of LPG was discharged within the period captured. Out of it, total domestic supply was 58,163.35, truck-outs from Dangote Refinery were 6,083.00 metric tons, other processing plants amounted to 14,880.2 5 mt, while imports covered 16,642.66 MT.
The data also showed that a total of 44,100.00 MT is expected to be supplied (through imports and domestic sources) in the remaining days of June to boost supply.
An analysis of the data on production and supply for January to May 2026 shows that 29,622 metric tons of cooking gas were produced in five months, while a total of 21,668 metric tons was supplied to the market. Total LPG consumption in the period was 24,168 metric tons. A breakdown shows fluctuation in production, supply and consumption. For instance, production rose from 5,190mt/d in January to 6,451mt/d in February, dropped slightly to 6,245mt/d in March, dropped further to 6,090mt/d in April and 5,646mt/d in May.
Analysts believe that the increase in supply in June highlights a stark paradox in the local energy sector, as despite rising domestic production, retail prices for cooking gas have skyrocketed nationwide, severely impacting household budgets.
The domestic market is grappling with a severe supply-and-demand gap. Retail prices have surged by roughly 140 per cent since the beginning of the year, jumping from an average of ₦1,000 per kilogramme in January to between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500 per kilogram in mid-June.
For the average consumer, this means refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦25,000 and ₦31,250, pushing many low-income households back to unsafe alternatives like charcoal and firewood.
What is Driving the Cooking Gas Crisis?
NMPDRA blamed the cooking gas crisis on distribution challenges (inadequate LPG infrastructure for distribution), shortfall in domestic supply, charging of non-cost reflective prices by LPG wholesalers and retailers, global supply disruptions and price volatilities due to the Middle East crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
On the share of LPG production from January to May by the domestic producers, NLNG accounted for 29 per cent (187,559 MT), followed by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), 22.93 per cent, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, 16.26 per cent (105,127 MT). Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) contributed 13.63 per cent (88,121MT).
The data showed that 100 per cent of all LPG (148,222 MT) produced by CNL during the period was exported.
Measures to Resolve the Cooking Gas Crisis
NMDPRA highlighted some immediate and mid-term measures it is undertaking to address the cooking gas supply and pricing challenges in the country.
On the immediate measures, the downstream regulator hinted at issuing import permits and following up on the ones previously issued to ensure supply through importation of the product. The agency also said it has intensified monitoring and enforcement in the supply and distribution of LPG.
On the current status, it said oil marketing companies supplied only 4.2 per cent of the volume of 390,000 MT allocated to them in the second quarter of 2026.
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On the medium-term measures, NMPDRA said plans are underway to inject LPG export volume into the domestic market, with a target of domesticating 100 per cent of Chevron production. While engagement is ongoing, it said Anoh Gas is expected to commence supply of 50 MT/D in July 2026 to the domestic market.
“Import represents the only immediate option for filling the gap created in supply, aside from the prospect of MT supply from Anoh,” the agency stated in its report released on Monday.
The NMDPRA said it is engaging with relevant agencies to facilitate access to foreign exchange for critical LPG imports where necessary and would also deploy technology-enabled tracking systems to curb diversion and improve market integrity.
According to the agency, other medium-term measures include optimizing LPG storage, terminal and distribution infrastructure nationwide and increasing domestic LPG production through accelerated gas processing projects.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X