The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, has seen a significant increase across Nigeria. This surge is occurring against the backdrop of ongoing disputes between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.
As of the latest reports, the price per kilogram varies significantly across different vendors. For instance, Rainoil was selling at ₦1,250 per kg, while Bovas outlets were dispensing at ₦1,500 per kg. Other outlets have been reported with prices reaching as high as 1,700 per kg.
With the current market average resting at ₦1,250 per kg, the expense of refilling common cylinder sizes has increased, placing additional strain on household budgets. The approximate costs for various cylinder sizes are as follows:
- 1kg – ₦1,250
- 3kg – 3,750
- 5kg – 6,250
- 10kg – 12,500
- 12kg – 15,000
- 12.5kg – 15,625
In response to the situation, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has directed regulatory authorities to take strict action against marketers who are hoarding cooking gas. This measure comes amid a significant rise in prices across the country.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, Minister Ekpo described the actions of some marketers as exploitative. He emphasized that the government would not allow Nigerians to be subjected to undue hardship due to these practices.
Explaining the root causes of the current scarcity, Ekpo mentioned, “The strike by PENGASSAN at the Dangote refinery temporarily halted LPG loading, while maintenance work at NLNG reduced the volume of gas available in the domestic market.”
He noted that these disruptions led to a supply shortfall, which in turn triggered the sharp increase in prices. However, the minister also provided reassurance, indicating that the supply situation is already beginning to improve.
Government and Industry Response to Rising Gas Prices
In light of the recent price hikes, the federal government has taken steps to mitigate the impact on consumers. Regulatory bodies are now intensifying monitoring and enforcement to prevent hoarding and price gouging.
Industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), have indicated that the current scarcity is expected to be resolved shortly, with normal supply levels anticipated to resume by the upcoming weekend.
Furthermore, in a positive development for consumers, Dangote Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of cooking gas. This move is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on household budgets in the coming weeks.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has also weighed in, attributing the recent price increases primarily to the industrial action by PENGASSAN. The disruption in supply chains caused by the strike has been a significant factor in the recent price volatility.
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