Yemi Obafemi
Following a sharp rise in cooking gas prices, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify efforts to boost LPG imports and stabilise supply nationwide.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Louis Ibah.
Ekpo acknowledged growing public concerns over the recent increase in cooking gas prices and assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to ensuring a steady, reliable, and affordable supply of gas for households, industries, and power generation.
According to the minister, marketers have pledged to raise import volumes to complement domestic production, while LPG deliveries from Seplat Energy’s new gas facility, expected to commence in July, will further strengthen supply nationwide.
“The outlook for LPG supply remains positive, and the Federal Government will continue to pursue measures that enhance availability, affordability, and long-term energy security for Nigerian consumers,” Ekpo said.
He also dismissed concerns that producers were diverting cooking gas meant for the domestic market to exports, stressing that regulatory measures remain in place to prioritise local consumption.
Explaining the recent surge in prices, the minister attributed the development to foreign exchange volatility, rising logistics costs, infrastructure challenges, and fluctuations in international LPG prices.
He noted that these market factors should not be seen as a failure of government policy, pointing to ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening the domestic LPG market.
“This policy has already strengthened domestic supply, reduced dependence on imports, and improved market resilience,” he said.
