Nigerians Demand Action as Cooking Gas Soars to ₦1,500/kg

The latest rise has added fresh pressure on households already dealing with high food prices, transport costs, insecurity, unstable electricity supply and other economic challenges.

At many gas refill stations visited in Lagos, customers arrived expecting previous prices only to discover that costs had changed again. The jump pushed the price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder to around ₦17,500 from about ₦14,200.

The increase changed buying behaviour for many families. Some customers who intended to refill larger cylinders reduced the quantity they purchased. Others bought smaller amounts than planned, while some left without making any purchase.

Among residents, concern centred on what may happen if more households move away from gas and return to traditional cooking methods. Some argued that increased use of firewood and charcoal could place more pressure on forests and affect environmental conditions over time.

Public reactions also reflected wider frustration with economic conditions. Many people connected the latest increase to the effects of fuel subsidy removal and rising living costs across the country.

Some commentators argued that government attention should focus more on reducing economic pressure on households and improving energy affordability. They warned that continued increases in essential household expenses could deepen social and economic difficulties.

Others linked the development to inflation, saying rising costs are affecting nearly every sector and making household spending more difficult.

Another view presented by observers is that demand for cooking gas has changed in recent years. Beyond cooking, some Nigerians now use gas as an alternative energy source for generators due to fuel costs, increasing demand for available supply.

There were also calls for policies that could improve local supply and make cooking gas more affordable. Supporters of this position argued that cheaper access to gas could reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal while limiting environmental pressure.

Several residents and analysts called for urgent government action, warning that if prices continue rising, more families may struggle to meet basic energy needs for daily living.