By Clement Abayomi and Helen Okechukwu
Nigerians have returned to firewood and charcoal for cooking as the rising cost of cooking gas pushes clean energy beyond the reach of many households. Across several states, families say they are reducing the number of meals they prepare, avoiding foods that require long cooking times, and adopting other survival measures as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices continue to climb up.
The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has continued to rise across the country despite Nigeria being one of the world’s leading gas-producing nations and Africa’s largest oil producer, with output estimated at 1.48 million barrels per day.
A survey and data obtained by The PrimeTimes from residents in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states showed that cooking gas, which previously sold for prices between N1,300 and N1,500 per kilogram, now sells for prices between N1,800 and N2,000 per kilogram in many locations, with some residents reporting even higher prices.
Residents also complained of difficulties accessing cooking gas due to occasional scarcity, saying the rising cost is adding to existing economic pressures caused by increasing food prices, transportation costs and house rents.
Reports indicate that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that refineries and gas processing plants accounted for the bulk of Nigeria’s LPG supply between April 2025 and April 2026.
Cooking gas, for many households, is gradually becoming a luxury rather than a basic necessity. As prices continue to rise, more families are abandoning gas for charcoal and firewood despite the health and environmental risks associated with those alternatives. Others are cutting down on meals and reducing consumption of foods that require longer cooking times in an effort to manage shrinking household budgets.
Rising Cost Forces Survival Adjustments
Udi, a middle-aged woman in Eneka, Rivers State, who depends on selling cooked meals as a means of livelihood, popularly known in Nigeria as “mama put”, narrated how the increase in food prices has affected her, while calling for government intervention.
“I buy 1kg of gas for N2,000,” she said, recalling that she usually buys it at a lower price.
“Anyhow it is, we dey manage. If we witness an increase in the price of cooking gas, there will be an increase in the price of what I sell.”
When asked about her next line of action in responding to the increment, she said, “As there is an increase in the price of cooking gas, we will continue to increase the cost of food.”
Mrs. Udi said she previously sold a plate of rice and beans, which is highly demanded by customers, for N800, but it is now sold for N1,000, despite backlash from customers.
“Without increments, we can’t recover our gain,” she said, while revealing that a custard bowl of tomatoes now costs N5,000, adding that she would have switched from gas to firewood if her environment permitted it.
The middle-aged woman, married with children, emphasised that the increase in the price of gas has not stopped her from buying the same amount she used to purchase.
“Despite the increase, I still fill my 4kg cylinder because I have no choice.”
Retail Irregularities
Mrs. Udi also recounted that some gas retailers do not fill cylinders to the correct capacity despite full payment.
She said, “Some retailers, while filling gas, usually mix air with little gas. The buyer will think the cylinder is full without knowing the actual quantity inside is small.”
Government Cannot Do Much
Mrs. Udi believes government intervention may no longer be enough to ease the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Who is the government? We are the government. There is nothing the government can do. What can the government do?” she lamented.
According to her, the increase in gas prices is only one of several challenges confronting families. She pointed to rising house rents, insecurity, and the high cost of living.
“Before, we paid N5,000 monthly for a single room, amounting to N60,000 a year. Today, that same room costs N15,000 monthly, which is N180,000 yearly. You can hardly find a room for N100,000 now,” she said.
We Have Adapted to Constant Price Hikes