By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Lagos, Nigeria – February 2026: The nation’s cooking gas consumption fell by 20% in February 2026, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Consumption dropped to 4,194 metric tonnes per day from 5,050 metric tonnes per day in January. The decrease followed rising petroleum prices caused by the ongoing Middle-East crisis.
Why Cooking Gas Prices Are Rising
The recent Middle-East conflict disrupted crude oil production and supply in international markets. Consequently, crude oil prices surged to about $84 per barrel. This increase directly impacted the cost of petroleum products, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas.
Current Gas Prices in Lagos
A recent survey of Lagos gas stations showed significant price variations:
- 1 kg of cooking gas sells between ₦1,050 and ₦1,300.
- Some stations charge ₦1,400 to ₦1,500 per kg.
In comparison, retail prices ranged from ₦950 to ₦1,550 per kg in January 2026.
Domestic Gas Supply Decline
According to NMDPRA:
- Total wholesale gas supply decreased to 4.771 BSCF per day in February from 4.837 BSCF per day in January.
- Average daily gas supplied to the domestic market fell to 1.763 BSCF per day from 1.906 BSCF per day.
- LPG supply dropped 8.5% month-on-month, from 5.1 metric tonnes per day in December 2025 to 4.7 metric tonnes per day in February 2026.
These figures show that supply constraints are contributing to higher domestic prices.
How Consumers Are Affected
Rising LPG prices have forced households to spend more on cooking fuel. Many consumers may shift to alternative cooking methods or reduce usage to manage expenses. Experts warn that sustained international tensions could keep prices high.
What This Means for the Market
With decreasing domestic supply and increasing global oil prices, LPG affordability and availability may continue to fluctuate. Stakeholders urge authorities to monitor supply chains and ensure price stability.
