Mixed Reactions as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Price Jumps from N230 to N380 Across Nigeria

Motorists across Nigeria expressed mixed feelings following the Monday increase in the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which rose sharply from N230 to N380 per Standard Cubic Metre (SCM) at several independent filling stations.

The increase aligns Lagos and Abuja with the uniform pricing already in place in other parts of the country since earlier this year.

The Federal Government set the N380 rate as part of efforts to harmonize CNG prices nationwide to stabilize the market and attract private investment into the sector.

The move is also in line with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) launched in 2023 to provide Nigerians with a cheaper cleaner fuel alternative following the removal of fuel subsidies.

While many motorists recognize that CNG still offers significant cost savings compared to petrol and diesel, the sudden price hike has sparked concerns among small business owners and commercial transporters who depend heavily on affordable energy for survival.

Some lamented the increased operational costs, while others believe the unified pricing is necessary to expand infrastructure and improve supply reliability.

Experts note that despite the higher price, CNG remains an economical option and that further investments in pipeline fed filling stations will be critical to reduce dependency on truck distribution and lower costs in the long term.

The government aims to increase vehicle conversions to CNG from the current tens of thousands to over one million by 2027 as part of an ambitious strategy to transform Nigeria’s transport fuel landscape.

The price adjustment from N230 to N380 per SCM took effect from September 1, 2025, and reflects the growing pains of a fuel market transitioning towards cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.