By Ayo Kehinde
Nigeria imported 16,642.66 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, within the first 19 days of June 2026 as the Federal Government moved to address supply shortages and curb rising prices.
Data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that the imports formed part of the 95,769.26 metric tonnes of LPG supplied to the domestic market between June 1 and June 19.
The figures were presented by the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Rabiu Umar, during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, over the persistent rise in cooking gas prices.
According to the regulator, four imported LPG cargoes were discharged in Lagos during the period. Imports were made by marketers, including Algasco LPG and Rainoil Limited, as domestic supply struggled to keep pace with growing demand.
The government said its interventions are beginning to improve market conditions.
Average daily LPG supply increased to 5,040 metric tonnes in June from 4,262 metric tonnes recorded in May.
The NMDPRA also disclosed that the country’s cooking gas stock stood at 85.87 million kilogrammes as of June 21, representing about 22 days of supply sufficiency, up from 11 days previously.
Despite the improvement in supply, consumers continue to pay prices far above the regulator’s benchmark.
Cooking gas currently sells for between N1,400 and N2,100 per kilogramme across different regions of the country, compared with indicative prices of around N1,000 to N1,200 per kilogramme.
The regulator attributed the high prices to supply gaps, inadequate distribution infrastructure, low import volumes, and global market disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
To improve affordability, the NMDPRA said it is pushing for increased imports, tighter monitoring of the supply chain, and greater domestic supply.
An additional 44,100 metric tonnes of locally produced LPG is expected to enter the market before the end of June, while more imports are also scheduled to arrive.
