The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) depots nationwide to curb hoarding and other sharp practices following recent price hikes.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, issued the directive in Abuja on Monday, expressing concern over the sharp increase in LPG prices — from about ₦1,000–₦1,100 per kilogram to as high as ₦1,700 in some parts of the country.
Ekpo attributed the surge to two major disruptions: an industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery, which temporarily halted LPG loading, and maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility, which reduced domestic supply.
“These disruptions led to a shortfall in supply and a consequent increase in prices due to demand and supply imbalance,” he explained.
The minister, however, assured that operations at both Dangote Refinery and the Bonny River Terminal have resumed, while Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring full output. He said these developments are expected to stabilise domestic supply and ease prices in the coming week.
Ekpo appealed to marketers and distributors to act responsibly and avoid hoarding or exploiting consumers, reminding them that the LPG market remains deregulated.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring stable, sufficient, and affordable gas supply for households nationwide.
