Nigerian households and small businesses have received some welcome news: the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)—better known as cooking gas—dropped slightly in July 2025. This finding comes from the latest statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), offering brief but notable relief in a market that has seen sharp volatility over the past year.
On their official X page (NBS Nigeria), NBS reported a modest 0.96% month-on-month decline. The data shows average prices fell from N8,323.95 in June 2025 to N8,243.79 in July 2025 for a 5kg refill. While this reduction may appear marginal, it is a step towards stability in household fuel costs at a time when many families continue to grapple with the effects of inflation and rising living expenses.
Yet, a longer-term look reveals the broader economic pressures. Year-on-year, the cost has soared by 37.98%. In July 2024, Nigerians paid an average of N5,974.55 for the same quantity—a jump of over N2,200 in just a year. Such dramatic escalations strain family budgets, especially across communities with limited income. Consumers in Nigeria and across West Africa have increasingly voiced concerns about affordability and the need for government action to cushion vulnerable groups.
State-by-State Breakdown for 5kg Cylinder
A closer examination of the NBS data unveils significant regional differences in pricing for the 5kg cylinder. Adamawa State residents paid the nation’s highest average price at N9,011.36 per refill, while Rivers (N9,005.00) and Taraba (N8,945.43) closely followed. These elevated costs have been attributed by some market analysts to transportation challenges, supply disruptions, and distance from major gas filling depots. In a phone interview, Port Harcourt-based commodity consultant Enefiok Udo said, “Regions farther from coastal or distribution hubs often experience higher end-user prices, simply due to logistics and fuel levies.”
In contrast, Yobe offered households some relief, posting the lowest price at N7,612.00. Niger and Nasarawa states were not far behind at N7,662.00 and N8,000.25, respectively. Such regional disparities are not new to Nigeria’s LPG sector, but the sizable gaps underline the importance of infrastructure investment and market regulation to ensure equitable access across all regions.
10 Most Affordable States for 5kg Cooking Gas (July 2025)
While the headline figures grab attention, thousands of households in Nigeria continue to seek out the best local bargains. The NBS report highlights the top ten cheapest states for consumers refilling a 5kg cylinder. Residents in the North East and North Central have generally benefited from more competitive prices, likely due to proximity to certain distribution lines or market competition. We recommend checking the complete NBS state-by-state breakdown for the full list and more detailed insights.
Trends in Large Cylinder Costs: 12.5kg Cooking Gas
For families and institutions purchasing larger quantities, the price trajectory for 12.5kg cylinders is crucial. According to NBS, the average price for refilling a 12.5kg LPG cylinder dropped by 1.91% month-on-month, moving from N21,010.56 in June 2025 to N20,609.48 in July 2025. While some Lagos-based food vendors who rely on bulk purchases welcomed this price drop, many lament that sustained relief remains elusive if global energy prices remain high and the naira fluctuates.
Looking at the year-on-year change, however, the overall price for a 12.5kg refill has leaped by a hefty 44.51% from July 2024’s average of N14,261.57. Such rapid increases are not just statistics—they translate directly to impacts on home-cooked meals, restaurant operations, and the bottom lines of SMEs across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
Leading and Lagging States for 12.5kg Cylinder Prices
Once again, Adamawa posted the highest recorded price, with residents shelling out an average of N22,528.39. Rivers (N22,512.49) and Taraba (N22,363.57) followed closely. Such high prices in these states are sparking debate among advocacy groups and consumer rights associations, who argue that improved government intervention or stronger private sector participation is required to drive prices down.
At the other end of the spectrum, Yobe featured the country’s lowest price of N19,030.00, followed by Niger (N19,154.99) and Nasarawa (N20,000.62). Organised market associations have called on regulators to investigate these sharp regional contrasts, with some suggesting targeted transport subsidies could help to level the playing field.
Top 10 Cheapest States: 12.5kg Cooking Gas (July 2025)
For Nigerian families aiming to stretch their household budgets, knowing where to access the most affordable 12.5kg LPG refills is essential. Competition among distributors and differences in supply networks often drive these price gaps. Lagos, for instance, sometimes sees varied prices even within the same LGA—as confirmed by residents and consumer protection officials, who urge citizens always to compare prices and buy from registered, trusted dealers.
Photo: Bloomberg/contributor
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Across regions, slight price drops in July 2025 have given a measure of relief to consumers. Still, advocacy groups and policy analysts warn that prices may rebound without further regulatory oversight, currency stability, or improvements to infrastructure.
Here’s a snapshot of the national averages according to NBS:
- 5kg LPG National Average Price: N8,243.79 (July 2025)
- 12.5kg LPG National Average Price: N20,609.48 (July 2025)
Nigeria’s Kerosene Price Ranks Among World’s Most Affordable
A separate development in the energy sector comes from the kerosene market, where Nigeria is reportedly ranked as the 12th cheapest country globally for kerosene prices. According to recent global data comparing 61 countries, Nigerian consumers currently pay an average of N1,013.7 per litre for kerosene.
This global affordability ranking may surprise some, particularly given the economic strains of the past year. Still, experts like Abuja-based energy economist Tolu Akindele caution that while prices remain relatively low internationally, local supplies and quality may not always be consistent, and distribution challenges persist in rural and remote areas.
Broader Context: What’s Driving Energy Price Fluctuations?
The fluctuations in cooking gas prices reflect a web of local and global influences. According to the Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA), supply chain interruptions, global crude oil prices, the naira’s value, and shifting import duties all affect day-to-day retail prices. West African neighbors, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, report similar experiences with their domestic LPG markets, illustrating the region-wide nature of these challenges.
Food sellers, SMEs, and families across Nigeria are watching the markets carefully. As Onitsha trader Chinyere Okeke commented, “When gas prices are high, it eats deeply into our profits and sometimes forces us to switch to alternatives like charcoal—even though we’d prefer cleaner energy.” Others also raised environmental concerns, noting that erratic gas prices might push people towards less sustainable fuels.
Calls for Reform and Consumer Action
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s energy sector continue to advocate for solutions. Suggestions include better regulation of the LPG market, subsidies for key logistics corridors, incentives for investment in local production, and expansion of storage and distribution infrastructure. Regional cooperation with other West African countries—particularly on issues like cross-border supply and market stabilization—could be pivotal for long-term progress.
Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups urge households to stay informed, always compare prices, and demand transparency from local gas retailers. In a market as dynamic as Nigeria’s, a little knowledge can make a meaningful difference to household budgets.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Cooking Gas Prices?
A slight reduction in cooking gas prices may offer a glimmer of hope—especially for families feeling the pinch. However, enduring affordability will depend on a combination of stronger market regulation, infrastructural development, and sustained macroeconomic stability. As Nigeria strives to meet its energy needs and those of its West African neighbors, regular, reliable information and persistent advocacy remain the best tools for both consumers and policymakers alike.
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