FG Orders NMDPRA to Curb Gas Hoarding as Cooking Gas Prices Soar

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to step up monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) depots nationwide to curb hoarding and other sharp practices amid the recent sharp increase in gas prices.

The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, in a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, in Abuja.

Dr. Ekpo expressed serious concern over the sudden rise in LPG prices, noting that the cost per kilogram had jumped from ₦1,000–₦1,100 to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 in several parts of the country.

He attributed the price hike to two major disruptions: the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery, and maintenance work at the Nigeria LNG’s Train 4 facility, which both affected domestic gas supply.

“The PENGASSAN strike temporarily halted LPG loading at the Dangote Refinery, while the ongoing maintenance at the NLNG Train 4 reduced volumes in circulation,” the minister explained.

Dr. Ekpo said he had instructed the NMDPRA to intensify surveillance across all LPG depots to ensure full compliance and prevent hoarding or profiteering that could worsen the market situation.

“These disruptions led to a temporary shortfall in supply and a consequent price increase due to demand and supply imbalance,” he said.

The minister, however, assured Nigerians that the situation was temporary and that prices would begin to normalise soon, as loading operations have resumed at major supply terminals.

“Operations at the Dangote Refinery have restarted, with LPG loading to the domestic market underway,” Ekpo stated. “Similarly, Seplat Energy’s Bonny River Terminal has resumed loading, and the Nigeria LNG is gradually returning to full operations as maintenance work nears completion.

“With these developments, supply will stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices.”

While reminding Nigerians that the LPG market remains deregulated, Dr. Ekpo appealed to marketers, depot operators, and distributors to act responsibly and desist from hoarding or exploiting consumers for profit.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring steady, affordable, and sufficient gas supply for households across the country.

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