Amidst growing concerns over the skyrocketing price of cooking gas, investigations have revealed that a kilogram of cooking gas is now being sold for between N1,000 and N1,200 in several parts of Nigeria, provoking alarm and uncertainty among consumers.
A supply disruption and scarcity of the product are believed to be driving the surge in prices.
Reports from Lagos State depict an alarming picture with 12.5 kilograms of cooking gas being sold for N12,000 at some retail stations.
Also, in the outskirts of Lagos, like Mowe, Ibafo, and Magboro along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, a kilogram of gas is priced between N1,150 and N1,200. Several retail stations have run out of stock, leaving many consumers in a lurch.
The situation is not limited to Lagos; Kano also experiences increased prices with some vendors selling a kilogram for N880 or even higher, compared to the previous price of N750.
Marketers attribute the price hike to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by the rising cost of diesel.
Also, the weak naira, limited bulk storage, and scattered terminals are contributing factors to the crisis.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALGAM) President, Oladapo Olatunbosun, has warned that if the government doesn’t intervene promptly, the price of a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder could reach as high as N18,000.
He emphasized that concerted efforts are needed to ensure the product remains affordable for all Nigerians.
An oil and gas expert, Dr. Dauda Garuba, expressed concern that the surge in cooking gas prices could lead to a resurgence in firewood usage, with adverse environmental consequences.
While the government is working with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG) to ramp up supply, deregulation remains a significant challenge.
This worrying trend underscores the urgent need for the government to address the root causes of the issue, ensuring that cooking gas remains accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and environment.