Gas Marketers Plan to Raise LPG Supply to 6 Million Tonnes, Expect Cooking Gas Prices to Drop
Liquefied Petroleum Gas marketers in Nigeria say they are working towards increasing the country’s annual supply of cooking gas to six million metric tonnes in the coming years. They believe this target is achievable through stronger collaboration with government agencies and increased private sector investment. The outgoing President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Oladapo Olatunbosun, made the statement during the association’s 38th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja.
Olatunbosun explained that Nigeria’s cooking gas consumption has grown significantly over the last four years. According to him, the country once recorded consumption levels of about 900,000 to one million metric tonnes yearly, but it has now risen to around two million metric tonnes in 2024. He said that based on current industry activity, consumption is likely to reach three million tonnes by the first quarter of next year. He credited the growth to rising awareness of gas as a cleaner energy option, as well as investment support from government-led initiatives such as the National Gas Expansion Programme and the Decade of Gas Initiative.
He said that with continued government support and sustained investment from the private sector, the association’s long-term goal of achieving up to six million metric tonnes of supply per year is realistic. He noted that achieving this target would position Nigeria alongside other major African gas-using nations, including Morocco and Egypt, which currently lead the continent in domestic gas penetration.
Nigeria has some of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, yet many households, especially in rural areas, still struggle to access affordable cooking gas. Olatunbosun acknowledged that the high cost of LPG and supply shortages have caused hardship for many families. However, he expressed optimism that prices will soon stabilize as new gas supply sources enter the market. He pointed to Seplat Energy’s upcoming gas supply, increased activity at the Dangote Refinery, and ongoing investments in gas processing and distribution as key developments expected to ease supply pressure.
He emphasized that affordability must remain a priority so that more Nigerians can transition from firewood, charcoal, and kerosene to cleaner and safer cooking gas. He noted that rural areas still face serious access challenges, adding that the industry must focus on expanding distribution networks and lowering costs to ensure nationwide access.
Olatunbosun also addressed recent price increases, which he attributed to temporary supply disruptions caused by plant maintenance and refinery logistics. He assured consumers that as local gas production increases and supply chains stabilize, the price of cooking gas will gradually come down. He also encouraged operators to adopt modern technology, including digital monitoring and artificial intelligence tools, to improve safety, reduce product theft, and enhance plant management.
Reflecting on his tenure as president, he thanked members of NALPGAM for their support and described the past four years as a period of resilience and growth for the gas industry. He urged the incoming leadership to build on the progress achieved, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, expand investment opportunities, and continue advocating for policies that encourage widespread use of cleaner cooking fuel.
The AGM concluded with the election of new executives who will lead the association for the next four years.
