The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market is facing a new wave of disruption as Lagos depots report zero availability of both butane and propane.

Checks show that none of the depots in the state currently have cooking gas in stock, leaving only Stockgap Depot in Port Harcourt selling at around ₦870 per kilogram.

This scarcity is a major concern for Lagos residents, who account for a large share of Nigeria’s LPG consumption. Without local supply, the city is now vulnerable to higher prices and longer supply chains.

Nigeria has more than 20 registered LPG depots, but only a few operate consistently. The complete dry-out in Lagos highlights deeper problems in the value chain, from reduced import volumes to infrastructure bottlenecks.

For retailers, the absence of stock within the state means sourcing from distant depots, which inflates transportation costs and eliminates price competition.

Market checks conducted by Legit.ng showed that one kilogramme of LPG now sells for N1,000 at most depots.

This means that dealers have adjusted their rates to between N1,100 and N1,150 per kilogramme, from N950 per kg.

For consumers, this dynamic often translates into cost-push inflation, where higher logistics expenses are passed directly onto households and small businesses.

Rising market tensions Analysts warn prices could climb even higher in the coming weeks.

This comes at a time when demand for cooking gas typically rises toward the end of the year, as festive seasons increase household consumption.

Cooking gas remains central to Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions, positioned as a safer and greener alternative to kerosene, firewood, and charcoal. However, recurring shortages continue to undermine adoption. When prices rise or supply falters, many households revert to cheaper, dirtier fuels.

This not only worsens deforestation and carbon emissions but also threatens the government’s drive to expand LPG use nationwide.

Experts argue that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports and limited investment in domestic infrastructure, processing plants, storage facilities, and distribution networks keeps the sector vulnerable to global price shocks and exchange rate instability.

Whether the Lagos depot scarcity is a temporary glitch or the start of a longer cycle remains to be seen.

If supply does not stabilise soon, Nigerians could face higher cooking gas prices across the country, with ripple effects on hospitality, food services, and manufacturing sectors that depend on LPG.

For now, the empty tanks in Lagos depots serve as a stark warning: unless structural issues in the supply chain are addressed, consumers will continue to pay the price for Nigeria’s fragile energy market.