Why LPG Prices Won’t Drop Anytime Soon: NMDPRA Explains

• The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has attributed the rising cost of cooking gas to high landing costs, even as the Federal Government convenes an emergency meeting with security agencies including the DSS, EFCC, and the Nigeria Police Force to tackle hoarding and illegal diversion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas across the country.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, has blamed high landing costs for the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise called ‘cooking gas’ in the country. Umar stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to address the recent increase in LPG prices and develop coordinated measures to improve supply, affordability, and market stability. “High landing costs continue to influence LPG prices, but the ongoing measures across the value chain would begin to ease market pressures in the coming weeks,” Umar said. He added that the authority is working with producers and other stakeholders to increase domestic supply, strengthen market oversight, and support interventions that will improve availability.

The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources convened an emergency stakeholders’ engagement involving the Department of State Services (DSS) , the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , and the Nigeria Police Force to address LPG hoarding and illegal diversion to neighbouring countries. The meeting brought together key government officials, regulators, producers, marketers, terminal operators, and industry associations to examine factors contributing to rising LPG prices and agree on practical interventions to strengthen the value chain. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, directed security agencies to support regulators in preventing diversion, hoarding, illegal storage, and disruption of legitimate supply movement along key LPG corridors. He warned that the government would not allow market forces to thwart its efforts in ensuring availability and affordability of LPG.

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In a presentation, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, identified several major factors affecting LPG pricing, including infrastructure gaps, domestic supply constraints, logistics challenges, market distortions, and global supply disruptions. The NMDPRA also attributed the supply challenges to continued exports of locally produced LPG, global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, inadequate import volumes, and what it described as non-cost-reflective pricing practices. The regulator maintained that the full domestication of locally produced LPG would significantly improve availability and reduce pressure on prices.

Despite the challenges, the NMDPRA reported improvements following recent engagements with producers, suppliers, and terminal operators. National LPG supply sufficiency increased from 11 days to 22 days, while average daily supply rose from 4,262 metric tonnes in May 2026 to 5,040 metric tonnes in June 2026. However, the regulator projected that there could be a supply gap of 165,000 metric tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 if corrective measures were not urgently implemented. To address this, the NMDPRA announced it would issue additional import permits to bridge the projected shortfall. According to data presented at the meeting, four imported LPG cargoes were discharged in Lagos within the first 19 days of June 2026, totalling about 16,000 metric tonnes. The imports were made by marketers including Algasco LPG and Rainoil Limited. An additional 44,100 metric tonnes of locally produced LPG is expected to enter the market before the end of June.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that President Bola Tinubu is concerned about the rising LPG prices for Nigerians and has directed relevant agencies to take proactive steps to address the situation. Ekpo emphasised that increased supply should be supported by efficient logistics, improved infrastructure, and transparent pricing mechanisms to ensure consumers benefit from interventions across the sector. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Patience Oyekunle, described LPG as a critical energy source for households and an important component of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda. She noted that rising LPG prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets and increasing the cost of essential goods, stressing the need for collective action to improve access to affordable cooking gas.

Stakeholders across the LPG value chain pledged their support for government efforts while highlighting challenges affecting storage, transportation, distribution, and market efficiency. The measures agreed on include intensified market monitoring, improved enforcement against malpractice, expansion of storage and distribution infrastructure, increased domestic production, enhanced product tracking systems, improved access to market data, and stronger collaboration among industry players. The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) expressed concern over what it described as profiteering by middlemen in the LPG value chain, insisting that market distortions rather than supply shortages were increasingly contributing to high consumer prices. Former Chairman of the association, Oladapo Olatunbosun, urged regulators to ensure that the benefits of improved domestic supply reached end-users and were not captured by intermediaries through excessive mark-ups and speculative trading.

Why LPG Prices Won’t Drop Anytime Soon: NMDPRA Explains

Police Neutralise Two Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Ogun Forest Operation

• The Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has killed two suspected kidnappers and secured the release of an abducted victim in a successful intelligence-led operation at Ogbe village. Items recovered include a single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge, mobile phones, and ₦2.2 million cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity.

The operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have secured the release of an abducted victim in an incident that happened at Ogbe village on June 11. The victim had been held captive by the kidnappers for seven days before the police intervention. They equally neutralised two suspected kidnappers while securing the safe release of the victim. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, explained that the Command swung into action upon receipt of the information by deploying its Anti-Kidnapping Unit to secure the victim’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice. Through sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and relentless operational pressure mounted on the criminal gang, the victim was eventually released unharmed on June 18, 2026.

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Following the victim’s rescue, the police intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang and subsequently traced them to a hideout within the state based on credible intelligence. The suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives in an attempt to evade arrest, resulting in a fierce gun duel. Two of the suspected kidnappers were killed during the exchange, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds. Babaseyi said the Command would ensure that those responsible did not evade justice, while the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified follow-up operations and embarked on a coordinated manhunt for the suspects. “The Command has since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing gang members, while investigations continue,” he stated.

Items recovered as exhibits from the kidnappers, according to Babaseyi, included one single-barrel gun; one expended cartridge; a mobile phone; the sum of Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,200,000); and other exhibits linked to the criminal enterprise. Babaseyi said the successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive crime-fighting strategies being vigorously pursued by the Ogun State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, in ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state. The CP appreciated the gallantry, professionalism, courage, and operational effectiveness of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, stating that the success reinforces the Command’s resolve to relentlessly pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals wherever they may seek refuge. The CP reiterated that Ogun State will remain hostile terrain for criminal elements and assured residents that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, robust tactical operations, and strategic partnerships with communities to protect lives and property.

He further urged members of the public to remain security conscious and continue to provide timely, useful, and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminality. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police. The Ogun State Police Command continues to appeal to residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing actionable intelligence that could help prevent crimes and bring offenders to justice.

Police Neutralise Two Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Ogun Forest Operation

IGP Bans Police Officers from Social Media, Threatens Dismissal

• The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a sweeping directive banning all serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture and possible prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a sweeping directive banning all serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture and possible prosecution. The directive affects officers using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social media channels for content creation while identifying as members of the police force. The order was contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” and addressed to senior police authorities nationwide, including zonal Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners of Police, commanders of the Police Mobile Force and other units. The circular, referenced SB:4065/IGP.SEC/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/11, was issued from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

According to the circular, the Force has observed an increasing trend of officers creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and engaging in monetised content creation while in uniform or in situations that identify them as police personnel. The police chief raised concern over what he described as the growing trend of officers using social media platforms for personal entertainment, self-promotion, and commercial activities without official authorisation. The directive noted that some officers have turned social media into a platform for skits, monetised content, brand promotions and public commentary on sensitive police matters, which undermines the integrity and discipline expected of law enforcement personnel.

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The directive specifically prohibits officers from posting skits, photographs, live streams or any form of content in police uniform or within police facilities without written approval. It also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment or commercial purposes where such accounts exploit their identity as law enforcement personnel. The ban further extends to public commentary on sensitive police matters, including operations, investigations, deployments, promotions and disciplinary issues. Under the new order, officers are also prohibited from accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals or monetisation arrangements linked to their status as police officers. The circular reminded officers that their conduct is regulated by existing laws and policies, including the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, Police Regulations, Police Service Commission disciplinary regulations and the Cybercrime Act.

In a significant enforcement measure, the IGP introduced vicarious liability, making senior officers responsible for monitoring the online activities of personnel under their command. Commissioners of Police, DPOs and other supervisory officers who fail to detect or report violations may also face disciplinary action. The circular warned that any supervisor who fails to detect, report or address violations could face disciplinary action alongside the offending officer. Commands across the country have been directed to implement the policy immediately, issue internal directives within seven days, and ensure all officers sign acknowledgement forms confirming receipt and understanding of the order. Compliance reports are expected within 14 days, detailing enforcement actions and monitoring strategies. The reports are to be submitted through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.

The Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad (Professional Standards Unit) have been tasked with monitoring social media platforms to identify violators. Officers already operating accounts linked to their identity as police personnel have been given a 14-day ultimatum to deactivate such accounts or remove all references to the Nigeria Police Force. The directive states that sanctions will include interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal and possible prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence. According to the circular, “The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer”. It added that the policy takes immediate effect nationwide as part of efforts to restore discipline, professionalism and public trust within the police force.

The directive comes less than a month after Disu cautioned content creators and members of the public against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police-related videos. Speaking during an interactive session with crime correspondents in Abuja on May 31, 2026, the police chief said the recording and online publication of police operations without proper context could undermine security efforts and demoralise officers. The latest order also echoes a similar policy introduced by former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu on June 17, 2020, under which police personnel were prohibited from using photographs of themselves in uniform on personal social media accounts and from engaging in posts or discussions considered political, religious or capable of bringing the force into disrepute. That directive further barred most officers from identifying themselves as police personnel on social media, except designated spokespersons and senior officers authorised to speak on behalf of the force.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the directive and quoted the IGP as emphasising that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy. According to the statement, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders, and other supervisory officers to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and enforce strict adherence to the directive. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and responsible public communication, while assuring members of the public of its continued dedication to maintaining public trust and institutional integrity.

IGP Bans Police Officers from Social Media, Threatens Dismissal