NMDPRA: COOKING GAS EXPORTS PERSIST DESPITE LOCAL DEFICIT

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has raised concerns over the continued export of cooking gas (LPG) even as the domestic market grapples with supply shortages and rising prices.

NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting that despite local production capacity, significant volumes of LPG are still being exported, exacerbating scarcity and price volatility for Nigerian households. “We must prioritise domestic needs while maintaining a balanced export policy,” he stated.

The authority is considering stricter regulatory measures, including export quotas and incentives for local marketers, to ensure adequate supply for domestic consumption. Ahmed emphasised the need for collaboration among producers, regulators, and distributors to bridge the gap.

Industry players acknowledged the challenge, noting that higher export margins often drive shipments abroad. Consumers have continued to lament the high cost and frequent unavailability of cooking gas, particularly during peak demand periods.

The development underscores ongoing tensions between export earnings and domestic energy security in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. NMDPRA pledged to work with relevant agencies to address the imbalance and stabilise the LPG market.