The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the average price of a 5 kg LPG cylinder rose to N7,655.73 in March 2026, while the 12.5 kg cylinder climbed to N19,652.83. The increases came amid heightened global economic uncertainty linked to Middle‑East geopolitical tensions.
NBS data show a 12.6 % month‑on‑month rise for the 5 kg cylinder, up from N6,799.18 in February. On a year‑on‑year basis, the price was 4.55 % higher than the N7,322.49 recorded in March 2025. Kaduna posted the highest average refill price for the 5 kg cylinder at N9,212.21, followed by Lagos (N8,909.73) and Taraba (N8,802.78). Bauchi recorded the lowest average price at N6,295.40, with Osun (N6,457.35) and Ondo (N6,598.10) close behind.
Regionally, the North‑West zone recorded the highest average 5 kg price at N8,137.81, the North‑East followed at N7,890.53, and the South‑South posted the lowest average at N7,300.95.
The 12.5 kg cylinder saw an even sharper rise, increasing 15.62 % month‑on‑month from N16,997.94 in February to N19,652.83 in March. Year‑on‑year, the price was 6.48 % higher than the N18,456.24 recorded in March 2025. Nasarawa registered the highest average 12.5 kg price at N23,418.12, with Kaduna (N23,030.52) and Akwa Ibom (N22,816.74) close behind. Bauchi again had the lowest average price at N15,738.50, followed by Osun (N16,143.38) and Ondo (N16,495.25).
The North‑West zone remained the most expensive region for the larger cylinder, averaging N20,701.66, while the South‑East recorded the lowest average at N18,432.63.
These price movements coincide with rising global oil prices driven by instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for petroleum products. Higher energy costs are expected to feed through to transport and food prices, adding to inflationary pressures in Nigeria’s economy.
The NBS report underscores the growing burden of energy expenses on Nigerian households and signals continued upward pressure on the domestic cost‑of‑living index. Monitoring of LPG price trends will be essential as policymakers assess the broader macro‑economic impact.
