The Federal Government has ordered an immediate clampdown on marketers hoarding Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, or exploiting consumers through inflated prices.
The directive was issued on Monday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, through a statement signed by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah.
This development follows growing public outcry over a sharp increase in cooking gas prices across the country. In recent weeks, the price of LPG has surged from an average of ₦1,000 per kilogramme to as high as ₦2,000/kg in some locations, with consumers also reporting widespread scarcity.
Ekpo attributed the recent surge to temporary disruptions caused by the strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery and ongoing maintenance work at the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 4 facility.
“These disruptions created a shortfall in supply and a consequent rise in prices due to a demand-supply imbalance,” the minister explained.
He assured Nigerians that the situation is already improving, noting that operations had resumed at key supply points. LPG loading has recommenced at the Dangote Refinery, and Seplat Energy’s Bonny River Terminal has also started supplying gas. Meanwhile, maintenance at NLNG is nearing completion, with a gradual return to full capacity expected soon.
“With these developments, supply to the domestic market is expected to stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices,” Ekpo said.
The minister emphasised that although the LPG market is deregulated, marketers must act responsibly and patriotically. He condemned the hoarding of products and exploitation of consumers through price gouging.
“We are urging marketers and distributors to refrain from hoarding and sharp practices that further burden Nigerian households,” he added.
To enforce compliance, Ekpo directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to step up monitoring of LPG depots and sales outlets across the country.
“The minister has mandated the NMDPRA to intensify inspections of LPG facilities nationwide to prevent hoarding and other practices capable of worsening the current situation,” the statement said.
Ekpo reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring an adequate and affordable supply of cooking gas, saying ongoing reforms aim to stabilise the sector and protect consumers.
