The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced plans to issue and track import permits to address a projected 165,000-metric-tonne shortfall of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) expected in the third quarter of 2026. Rabiu Umar, the Authority Chief Executive, shared this strategy during an emergency meeting in Abuja led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Umar highlighted that importing gas is a necessary short-term fix to improve availability and stabilize nationwide cooking gas prices. The regulator has already increased supply sufficiency from 11 days to 22 days by coordinating with terminal operators and producers. Furthermore, the NMDPRA is investigating instances of market price gouging to ensure fairer costs for consumers.
To bolster local inventory, the authority plans to divert export-bound LPG back into the domestic market. Starting in July 2026, Anoh Gas is set to contribute 50 metric tonnes of LPG daily. The NMDPRA is also auditing off-takers from NLNG and NNPC Ltd. to enhance distribution efficiency and prevent product diversion. Regulatory efforts will now include advanced tracking technology, support for infrastructure investments via the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, and ongoing collaboration with industry leaders like Chevron.
Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director for Distribution Systems, noted that price hikes stem from supply shortages and logistical barriers. Recent interventions, including the arrival of four import cargoes, have already raised daily supplies to 5,040 metric tonnes. The authority remains committed to streamlining licensing for storage and blending facilities to ensure sustainable market stabilization.