Concerns are growing over the rising price of cooking gas in Nigeria, with a kilogram now fetching between N1,000 and N1,200 in various parts of the country, as reported by Daily Trust. Marketers express fears that the prices may escalate further due to the scarcity of the product, which they attribute to supply disruptions.
Checks conducted by Daily Trust in Lagos State revealed that 12.5 kilograms of cooking gas was sold for N12,000 at some retail stations. Additionally, a kilogram was priced at N1,150 and N1,200 in Lagos outskirts like Mowe, Ibafo, and Magboro along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Retail stations are experiencing stock shortages, and prices have surged, causing concerns among consumers.
In Kano, long queues were observed at major gas stations, and prices ranged from N880 to N1,000 per kilogram, up from the previous price of N750. The situation has led many households in the state to resort to using charcoal.
The president of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, attributed the scarcity to supply disruptions, including delayed offloading of vessels. Olatunbosun warned that the price of a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas might soon reach N18,000 if the government does not intervene. He urged the government to examine the factors contributing to the price hike and ensure the product remains affordable.
Meanwhile, an oil and gas expert, Dr. Dauda Garuba, expressed concern that the escalating prices might force Nigerians to resort to using firewood, with adverse environmental impacts.
An official from the Office of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) acknowledged the deregulation of the cooking gas sector and mentioned that the government is collaborating with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG) to increase domestic supply and address the rising prices.
As consumers face higher costs for cooking gas, there is a growing call for government intervention to ensure affordability and address the challenges affecting the supply chain.
