Marketers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, have attributed the persistent increase in prices across Nigeria over the past three weeks to seasonal demand, supply constraints, and product scarcity.

The spokespersons of the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Chinedu Ukadike, and the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO), Taofeek Lawal, made this known in separate interviews with Hobnob News on Monday.

Hobnob News reports that the price of cooking gas has surged by between 40 and 66 per cent in Abuja and its environs, with a kilogram now selling for between N1,400 and N2,000, up from N1,000 and N1,200 recorded weeks earlier.

The latest increase has further intensified the hardship faced by many Nigerians already struggling with the rising cost of living. The development comes amid headline inflation of 26.50 per cent and food inflation of 16.09 per cent recorded in April 2026.

The hike has also raised concerns about the affordability of cooking gas for millions of households, despite the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.

Speaking on the development, Ukadike linked the increase in LPG prices to seasonal demand and supply challenges, noting that the rainy season typically drives more households to switch from firewood to cooking gas.

“It’s because of demand now. You know, it’s the rainy season,” he said.

According to him, the increased demand during the season puts pressure on available supplies, resulting in higher prices.

“Once it comes to the rainy season, all firewood goes off. It’s seasonal. That’s the way it works,” Ukadike added.

He further cited supply constraints and the scarcity of alternative household fuels as additional factors contributing to the price increase.

Despite the current situation, the NOGASA spokesman expressed optimism that prices would eventually decline as supply improves and more operators enter the market.

“It will come down naturally,” he stated.

Ukadike explained that the participation of additional gas companies would help stabilize supply and reduce pressure on prices.

“There are more gas companies that are also trying to come on board. So, I also believe it will come down,” he told Hobnob News.

He added that increased contributions from operators, including the Dangote Refinery, could play a significant role in easing the current supply challenges and lowering cooking gas prices.

On his part, Lawal said the recent increase was largely the result of a mismatch between available LPG products and the growing number of consumers.

“It is basically a supply issue. There are few products for a large number of customers,” he said.

According to him, addressing the situation would require a substantial increase in product availability to meet rising demand.

“The solution is to improve supply to meet the growing demand,” Lawal told Nova News.

Industry stakeholders have expressed hope that improved supply and increased market participation will help moderate prices in the coming months, offering relief to consumers grappling with economic pressures.