Sallah: Nigerians Lament Rising Cooking Gas Price as Cost Nears ₦2,000/kg

As Muslims gear up for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festivities, the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) — commonly referred to as cooking gas — has been steadily climbing nationwide.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays for the Sallah festivities.

A survey conducted by The PUNCH showed that the price of LPG, which previously sold below ₦1,000 per kilogramme, has now climbed to between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 in several parts of the country.

Residents in parts of the South-West said cooking gas now sells for about ₦2,000 per kilogramme in some border communities in Ogun State.

Consumers in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan also disclosed that the product currently sells between ₦1,600 and ₦1,700 per kilogramme.

In several northern states, LPG prices were said to range between ₦1,800 and ₦2,000 per kilogramme.

One consumer identified as Borokinni criticised the situation, saying the government had failed to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

“One of the only ways the government can assist the masses is through affordable cooking gas, but Nigerian leaders don’t care,” he said.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has raised concerns over rising prices and irregular supply of cooking gas across the country.

In a statement signed by its National President, Edu Inyang, and Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, the association warned that the situation could trigger scarcity and deepen economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.

According to the association, marketers currently pay between ₦25.2m and ₦26.2m for 20 metric tonnes of LPG depending on location.

The group described the development as “sad and rather very pathetic.”

NALPGAM expressed concern that worsening prices could provoke public frustration against gas retailers.

“We feel that if the situation is not immediately checked, the citizens may rise against the owners of gas filling stations,” the association stated.

The marketers added that the increase in LPG prices was affecting households, food vendors, small businesses and low-income earners who rely on gas for daily cooking activities.

The association warned that the crisis threatens years of progress made in promoting clean cooking energy and LPG penetration across Nigeria.

According to the group, many households are gradually returning to the use of firewood and charcoal because of the rising cost of gas.

“While millions of Nigerians have embraced cooking gas as a result of the national clean energy transition agenda, it is sad to state that those gains are at risk,” the statement added.

NALPGAM also warned that continued increases in LPG prices could worsen food inflation, lead to the collapse of small-scale LPG businesses and undermine Nigeria’s clean energy goals.

Apart from the high cost, some residents said cooking gas is gradually becoming scarce in neighbourhood retail outlets.

They called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to stabilise supply and prices, especially as Nigerians prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.