The cost of cooking gas in Nigeria has surged dramatically over the past year, with the price of refilling a 12.5 kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) rising by 44.51% year-on-year as of July 2025, according to the latest LPG Price Watch Report published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.
The report revealed that the average retail price of a 12.5 kg cylinder increased from N14,261.57 in July 2024 to N20,609.48 in July 2025, highlighting a steep rise in energy costs that is placing additional financial pressure on Nigerian households.
While the year-on-year increase is significant, the report also noted a slight month-on-month decline of 1.91%, with the price falling from N21,010.56 in June 2025 to N20,609.48 in July 2025.
Experts, however, caution that this modest dip is unlikely to indicate a long-term reduction, as the underlying factors driving the price surge remain unresolved.
The NBS report also revealed similar trends for smaller cylinders.
The retail price for refilling a 5 kg cylinder dropped slightly by 0.96% month-on-month, from N8,323.95 in June 2025 to N8,243.79 in July 2025, but still reflected a 37.98% increase year-on-year, rising from N5,974.55 in July 2024.
Regional Disparities in LPG Pricing
State-level analysis by the NBS showed stark differences in LPG prices across Nigeria. Adamawa State recorded the highest average price for a 5 kg cylinder at N9,011.36, closely followed by Rivers (N9,005.00) and Taraba (N8,945.43).
Conversely, Yobe State had the lowest price at N7,612.00, with Niger and Nasarawa States recording N7,662.00 and N8,000.25, respectively.
For the 12.5 kg cylinder, Adamawa also topped the chart with an average retail price of N22,528.39, followed by Rivers (N22,512.49) and Taraba (N22,363.57).
Yobe had the lowest at N19,030.00, with Niger and Nasarawa States at N19,154.99 and N20,000.62, respectively.
Zone-wide analysis highlighted the South-South region as the most expensive area for LPG, averaging N21,278.14 for a 12.5 kg cylinder, while the South-West recorded the lowest at N20,184.79.
The Federal Government has introduced several policies in an effort to mitigate the rising LPG prices. In October 2024, the government halted the export of locally produced cooking gas to prioritize domestic supply.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, explained that this measure was intended to reduce domestic prices and ensure consistent availability for Nigerian households. The policy officially took effect from November 1, 2024.
Despite these interventions, the persistent increase in LPG prices reflects broader challenges in the energy sector, including supply chain disruptions, global commodity price fluctuations, and growing domestic demand.
Analysts warn that unless additional measures are taken, households could face further energy affordability issues.
The sharp increase in cooking gas prices has far-reaching consequences. Nigerian households, particularly low- and middle-income families, are struggling to cope with the escalating cost of basic energy needs.
Small businesses and restaurants that rely on LPG for daily operations are also facing higher operational costs, which may eventually lead to price hikes for consumers.
Experts recommend exploring alternative energy solutions, including solar cooking systems and renewable energy sources, to reduce dependence on imported or high-cost LPG.
There is also a call for increased domestic production capacity and efficient distribution networks to stabilize prices across all regions.
As the NBS data reveals, the 44.5% annual surge in cooking gas prices underscores the urgency of sustained policy intervention and proactive measures to protect Nigerian households.
While short-term relief may be observed through minor month-on-month decreases, long-term solutions are required to ensure affordability, accessibility, and energy security for all Nigerians.
The LPG Price Watch Report was based on data collected from over 10,000 respondents across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, providing a comprehensive view of the pricing trends nationwide.