The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has addressed concerns over the recent increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring adequate and reliable supply nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Minister’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah, the government acknowledged public concerns over rising cooking gas prices but maintained that current market conditions are influenced by broader economic and global factors.
The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining a stable LPG supply for households, industries, and power generation across the country.
It noted that ongoing policy interventions are aimed at strengthening domestic gas availability, including a directive prioritising locally produced LPG for domestic consumption. According to the ministry, this measure has contributed to improving supply levels, reducing import dependence, and enhancing market stability.
The government explained that recent price increases are largely driven by factors such as foreign exchange volatility, rising logistics costs, infrastructure constraints, and fluctuations in international LPG prices.
Officials stressed that these challenges should not be interpreted as policy failure but rather as external market pressures affecting global energy commodities.
To address supply and pricing concerns, the Minister directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify engagement with producers, marketers, and industry stakeholders to ensure consistent supply and improved market coordination.
Marketers have also reportedly committed to increasing import volumes to complement domestic production and help stabilize supply in the short term.
The statement further disclosed that the commencement of LPG deliveries from the new Seplat gas facility expected in July will significantly boost national supply levels and support long-term market stability.
It also confirmed that regulatory measures remain in place to ensure that LPG volumes designated for the domestic market are not diverted for export, reinforcing efforts to prioritise local consumption.
The Ministry expressed optimism about the outlook for LPG supply, noting that ongoing reforms in the gas sector are expected to improve availability and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy security.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians continue to have access to affordable and reliable cooking gas as structural interventions in the sector progress.
