Residents of Abuja are lamenting the worsening scarcity and skyrocketing price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, as the product becomes increasingly difficult to find across the city.

In recent weeks, prices have soared to between ₦1,200 and ₦2,000 per kilogram, depending on the location and supplier. This means that a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000 in areas such as Kubwa, Lugbe, Dutse, and Nyanya.

While some major filling stations like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), NIPCO, and AYM Shafa Energy dispense gas at ₦1,200 per kg, many other vendors are selling at higher prices, or not selling at all. A survey conducted across the capital revealed that only a few gas outlets were operational as of Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Depot checks showed that only NAVGAS, Matrix, NIPCO, and Shafa Energy had LPG available, selling at ₦18,500 per 20 metric tonnes as of Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Residents shared their frustrations with DAILY POST. Bello Abdullahi, who lives in Kubwa, said, “It’s frustrating. I carried my cylinder around looking for where to buy gas but ended up paying ₦2,000 per kg. I couldn’t find any filling station selling at ₦1,200 in Kubwa.”

Similarly, Rita Nwagwu from Dutse recounted her experience: “Despite the high price, most vendors weren’t selling. I had to take a bike to Zone 6 before finding one that sold at ₦2,000 per kg.”

The situation isn’t unique to Abuja. Lagos residents have also complained of scarcity and price hikes in recent weeks.

Industry stakeholders have attributed the crisis to several factors, including last month’s strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Refinery, maintenance work at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility, and the entry of Dangote Refinery into the LPG market.

Earlier, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, blamed supply disruptions caused by the strike for the shortage. Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Oladapo Olatunbosun, described the situation as “artificial,” accusing some marketers of hoarding the product.

Despite assurances from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, to act against those inflating prices, Abuja residents continue to feel the pinch as cooking gas remains scarce and expensive across the city.