• Authorities seize thousands of cylinders over speculation, illegal practices

• New decree tightens sales rules to protect subsidised household gas supply

Authorities in Niger have tightened oversight of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market in response to persistent disruptions in the supply of domestic gas, particularly in the capital, Niamey.

Local media reported on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, that the move follows inspections by regulatory authorities that uncovered practices in violation of existing rules. These include price speculation, the creation of artificial shortages, and the misappropriation of cylinders intended for regulated distribution.

Before the intervention, a 12.5 kg cylinder with a fixed price of about 3,750 CFA francs ($6.75) was at times sold for between 5,000 and 6,000 CFA francs ($9-$10.80). The 6 kg cylinder, officially priced at around 1,800 CFA francs ($3.20), exceeded 2,500 CFA francs ($4.50) at some points of sale.

To address these practices, more than 4,200 gas cylinders were seized in Niamey for regulatory violations, according to local media. The move was backed by a court ruling ordering the confiscation of about 3,500 additional cylinders deemed to stem from illegal practices in a sector that benefits from public subsidies.

A new decree from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, published on Dec. 23, 2025, has tightened rules governing LPG sales. The text sets out specific requirements for filling centres and retailers, including traceability obligations and the mandatory use of approved distribution channels. Operators have three months to comply or face sanctions, including the suspension of marketing activities.

Beyond tighter regulation, LPG prices in Niger place the country in a distinct position compared with several neighbours. In Senegal, according to the Energy Sector Regulatory Commission (CRSE), a 12.5 kg cylinder sells for around 6,250 CFA francs ($11). In Burkina Faso, a joint decree dated Aug. 18, 2022, sets the price at nearly 5,500 CFA francs ($10).

Through tighter rules and stepped-up inspections, Nigerien authorities aim to restore closer oversight of the LPG market and ensure regular access to domestic gas for households. Niger has suspended LPG exports since October 2023 to prioritise domestic supply.

Abdel-Latif Boureima