Dangote Group plans to sell cooking gas directly to consumers if marketers don’t reduce prices aiming to make LPG affordable in Nigeria.

In a decisive move to make cooking gas more affordable, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Group, announced that the firm will begin selling Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) directly to consumers if distributors refuse to pass on price reductions. The announcement comes amid widespread concern over cooking gas prices, which currently range between ₦1,000–₦1,300 per kg across Nigeria

During a tour of the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Dangote revealed that the facility produces approximately 22,000 tonnes of LPG daily, with ambitions to gradually lower retail prices.

“Cooking gas is expensive, but we’re working to reduce it. If distributors resist, we’ll sell directly to consumers,” Dangote declared

Marketers Push Back

Distributors and industry insiders have expressed concern that Dangote’s direct-to-consumer strategy risks stifling competition. The Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM) warned the move could create a monopoly that would ultimately harm the industry.

Godwin Okoduwa, former LPG marketers’ association chair, stated:

“Dangote should collaborate not monopolize. Growth comes through partnership, not dominance,” he said.

In response to Dangote’s initiative, rival depot owners such as NIPCO, Ardova, and A.A Rano have already slashed LPG prices dropping rates from ₦1,050 to ₦1,000 per kg, and lower in some cases. This price competition indicates a market shift toward affordability and consumer benefit.

Affordable LPG is critical for public health and environmental sustainability offering a cleaner, safer alternative to firewood or kerosene.

If Dangote’s plan unfolds as intended, it could transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and support economic well-being across households and SMEs.