Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction over the continuous increase in the price of cooking gas.

Investors King gathered that despite the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on cooking gas since October 2023, the price of cooking gas continues to soar, now with a 70 percent increase as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of gas cost N9,194.41 as of 2023, however, as of August 2024, it surged to N15, 552.56, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This increase has had a great effect on households and small-scale businesses, including caterers and food vendors whose daily business depends on gas.

Many Nigerians have seized various opportunities to air out their frustration.

An X user, Abiodun Adeleke queried the sudden increase in the price of gas.

Adeleke, who wondered how Nigerians would be able to survive the economic hardship, observed that the recent increase in the price of the commodity reflects a 100 percent increase.

He wrote, “12.5kg cooking gas is now N19,000. Just months ago, it was N9,000. That’s a 100 percent hike in less than a year. How are people surviving this economy?”

Another user, Isaac Ajani with the handle @IsaacAJCityTexa tackled the FG’s claim of importing gas.

He wrote, “And FG/NNPC boasting they are exporting  gas now,that Nig has huge quantity of natural gas,why d locals/residents are buying it higher,coal/dual purpose Dpk out of reach  @1600perkg,in what way is FG relieving d residents of utility bills.”

Also sharing his frustration, another user with the handle @PerplexedNGN who claimed to be a resident of Lagos confirmed the increase describing it as crazy.

His words “I already bought ₦17,000 here in Lagos.

It’s honestly crazy. I don’t know where the common man will run to after this one too soon becomes unaffordable for the common man. 12.5kg gas was about ₦,3500-₦4,000 up until April/May 2022, just recently over 2 years ago.”

Food vendors and caterers are also feeling the heat.

Mary Olabuson, a caterer in Lagos State recounted how the price of cooking is affecting her business.

She recounted how she rejected a job after the price of cooking gas swallow most of the budget.

“I had a client call me for a job, but after calculating the cost, gas alone took up a huge chunk of the budget. In the end, I had to turn down the offer because the client couldn’t afford my revised rate,” she said.

As the October cocoa harvest approaches, optimism is growing among West African farmers buoyed by soaring cocoa prices.

However, the industry faces persistent challenges, particularly from swollen shoot disease, which continues to threaten cocoa production despite favorable weather conditions.

Moussa Konate, a cocoa farmer from a small plantation in Ivory Coast, is seeing the fruits of a brighter season.

His trees are now laden with healthy, green pods, a promising sign after last year’s devastating crop loss due to disease.

The upcoming harvest is expected to be significantly better, buoyed by the arrival of essential pesticides and improved weather conditions attributed to the La Niña phenomenon.

Yet, while the outlook is improving, the cocoa industry in West Africa remains fraught with challenges. Swollen shoot disease, an incurable viral infection, remains a significant hurdle.

The disease reduces the yield of infected cocoa trees by up to 70% and is forcing many farmers to cut down not only diseased trees but also those nearby, as a preventative measure.

The economic landscape is more promising. Cocoa prices have surged to record levels, driven by ongoing supply shortages and increased demand.

Analysts forecast that prices could average around $7,000 per ton in 2024, a significant drop from the highs earlier this year but still well above historical norms.

This price surge is attracting new entrants into cocoa farming, particularly in regions like Cameroon and Nigeria, where farmers are reporting impressive yields and substantial earnings.

In contrast, established cocoa giants like Ivory Coast and Ghana are grappling with persistent issues.

Despite attempts to adjust farmgate prices and combat the disease, many farmers still struggle with limited resources.

The high costs of pesticides and fertilizers remain out of reach for many, and illegal mining activities, particularly in Ghana, are exacerbating the problem by destroying valuable agricultural land.

The broader West African cocoa belt is seeing mixed results. Early indicators suggest that Ivory Coast could experience a 10% increase in output this season, reaching about 2 million tons.

However, the spread of swollen shoot disease and irregular weather patterns pose ongoing risks.

In Ghana, where aging trees and diseases are also prevalent, farmers are calling for higher prices to support their operations and curb the impact of illegal mining, which threatens their land and livelihood.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Improved weather conditions and rising prices are revitalizing the industry, drawing new investment and boosting the spirits of many farmers.

Nevertheless, experts emphasize the need for continued support and coordinated efforts to address disease management and sustainable farming practices to ensure the long-term health of the cocoa sector.