The average cost of a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas surged in March 2026, hitting ₦7,655.73, while a 12.5kg cylinder climbed to N19,652.83.
This is according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) latest Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Price Watch.
March’s cooking gas data comes amid heightened global economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions.
NBS data shows the average price to refill a 5kg cylinder increased by 12.60% month-on-month from ₦6,799.18 in February to ₦7,655.73 in March 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the price rose 4.55% from ₦7,322.49 recorded in March 2025.
Kaduna recorded the highest average refill price for 5kg cylinders at ₦9,212.21, Lagos followed at ₦8,909.73, while Taraba posted ₦8,802.78.
Bauchi recorded the lowest average price at ₦6,295.40, followed by Osun at ₦6,457.35 and Ondo at ₦6,598.10.
Zonal analysis showed the North-West recorded the highest average 5kg refill price at ₦8,137.81, followed by the North-East at ₦7,890.53, while the South-South posted the lowest average at ₦7,300.95.
The ongoing Middle East tensions have pushed oil prices higher, increasing inflation concerns globally.
Instability around the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for global oil shipments—has intensified supply fears.
Rising energy prices typically translate into higher fuel and transportation costs across economies.
Historically, such tensions have triggered inflation spikes in emerging markets, including Nigeria.
For 12.5kg cylinders, NBS noted that the average refill price rose even faster, climbing 15.62% month-on-month from ₦16,997.94 in February to ₦19,652.83 in March. Compared with March 2025, prices increased by 6.48% from ₦18,456.24.
Nasarawa recorded the highest average 12.5kg refill price at ₦23,418.12.
Kaduna followed at ₦23,030.52, while Akwa Ibom recorded ₦22,816.74.
Bauchi had the lowest average price at ₦15,738.50, followed by Osun at ₦16,143.38 and Ondo at ₦16,495.25.
Regionally, the North-West recorded the highest average 12.5kg refill price at ₦20,701.66, while the South-East posted the lowest at ₦18,432.63.
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The report shows households faced sharper energy costs during the month, with refill prices rising by double digits compared to February, adding further pressure to living costs.
The data highlights continued inflationary pressure in the domestic energy market, as cooking gas prices rise alongside broader increases in transport and food-related expenses.
