- Cooking gas scarcity in Nigeria drives household expenses and pushes many families towards firewood and kerosene.
- NLNG and Dangote Refinery are boosting supply, but distribution challenges still affect nationwide availability.
Cooking gas scarcity in Nigeria has deepened, forcing many families into hardship and financial strain. Across Lagos and other states, households face confusion as prices surge and supplies shrink. Since Thursday, October 2, 2025, families have been compelled to seek alternatives due to rising scarcity.
Refilling a 12.5kg cylinder costs N25,000, compared with N12,500 a week earlier. In addition, one kilogram now sells between N1,500 and N2,000, depending on the area. Consequently, families must either pay higher costs or switch to less safe energy sources.
In Lagos, only the NIPCO Gas station in FESTAC Town had supplies over the weekend, leading to long queues. However, major outlets such as Mobil and Forte Oil remained closed, worsening the crisis.
According to Bassey Essien, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, the shortage followed a disruption caused by an industrial action by PENGASSAN. He explained that Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Nigeria’s most prominent local supplier, could not distribute during the strike.
Aliko Dangote confirmed that the refinery now produces 2,000 tonnes of LPG daily. He pledged to increase output and supply directly to households if distributors fail to reduce costs.
Meanwhile, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) stated it has committed all butane output to the domestic market since 2022. Furthermore, NLNG has expanded delivery points across Lagos, Rivers, and Delta states, with more locations planned.
In summary, the crisis reflects weak supply chains and rising demand. While short-term relief may follow recent resolutions, long-term stability depends on sustainable distribution and policy reforms.