Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s cooking gas retailers have rejected claims that they are responsible for the recent surge in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices, blaming supply shortages and rising wholesale costs instead.
In a statement on Saturday, Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR) under NUPENG, Mr Ayobami Olarinoye, said:
“Blaming retailers will not solve anything. The real issue lies in inconsistent supply and unfair pricing at the wholesale level.”
Olarinoye dismissed accusations by the Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM) that retailers were profiteering, calling them “unfair and misleading.”
He clarified that retailers do not import or refine gas but purchase from plant operators and distribute to consumers. “Some retailers have had to close their outlets for days because they couldn’t access supply,” he said.
The LPGAR boss noted that while Dangote Refinery maintains a base price of ₦15.8–₦16 million per 20-tonne truckload, off-takers sell at ₦18.5–₦18.6 million, creating market distortions and worsening scarcity.
He also cited the PENGASSAN industrial action as another factor disrupting supply chains. Olarinoye urged government intervention to harmonise prices and encourage domestic production.
“We remain committed to stabilising the market, but sustainable change must come from addressing supply gaps and unfair pricing,” he added.
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