Nigeria’s dependence on imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, increased dramatically in June 2026 as domestic supply weakened, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The regulator’s June 2026 LPG supply report showed that imports surged by 1,400 percent, highlighting renewed concerns about the country’s ability to meet local demand despite possessing one of Africa’s largest natural gas reserves.
According to the NMDPRA, average daily LPG imports increased from just 0.1 kilotonnes per day (KT/D) in May to 1.5 KT/D in June.
The sharp increase in imported volumes came as domestic LPG supply fell by 10 percent, declining from 4.0 KT/D in May to 3.6 KT/D in June.
Despite the reduction in local production, the country’s overall LPG receipts rose by 24 percent, increasing from 4.1 KT/D in May to 5.1 KT/D in June.
The increase was largely driven by imported supplies, which accounted for virtually all the growth recorded during the month.
A breakdown of the figures showed that imported LPG contributed approximately 1.539 KT/D, representing nearly 30 percent of Nigeria’s total daily cooking gas supply of 5.164 KT/D in June.
The report identified the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and SEPNU as the largest contributors to domestic LPG supply, delivering about 2.335 KT/D through marine vessels.
Other gas processing plants supplied 0.805 KT/D through truck deliveries, while local refineries contributed only 0.485 KT/D, underscoring the limited role of domestic refining facilities in the cooking gas value chain.
The latest figures have renewed concerns among energy stakeholders over Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported LPG despite the country’s vast natural gas resources.
Nigeria is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading gas-producing nations, yet industry experts have repeatedly pointed to inadequate processing infrastructure, transportation challenges and limited investment as major constraints to increasing domestic LPG production.
Stakeholders say expanding local gas processing capacity remains critical to improving energy security, reducing foreign exchange pressure and ensuring stable cooking gas prices for households and businesses.
The increase in imports also comes at a time when many Nigerians continue to embrace LPG as a cleaner alternative to firewood, charcoal and kerosene, in line with the Federal Government’s clean energy transition agenda.
Experts warn that sustained reliance on imported LPG could expose the domestic market to fluctuations in international prices and foreign exchange volatility, potentially increasing the cost of cooking gas for consumers.
They have therefore called for accelerated investment in gas infrastructure, improved distribution networks and policies that encourage greater private sector participation across the LPG value chain.
With demand for cleaner household energy continuing to grow, analysts believe boosting domestic LPG production will be essential to achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals while reducing dependence on imported products.
