Nigeria is experiencing a surge in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, amid uncertainty surrounding its supply. A recent survey in Abuja and its environs showed that the price of 1 kilogram of cooking gas has risen to N1,500, up from N1,200 the previous week. In specific areas such as Gwarimpa and Dawaki, dealers have adjusted their rates to N17,500 for a 12.5 kg cylinder, an increase from N15,000. Similarly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlet on the Kubwa Expressway now sells a 12.5 kg cylinder for N15,000, up from N13,625.
The price hike is linked to higher depot prices over the last week. Gas price data indicate that Dangote Refinery’s ex‑depot price for 20 metric tonnes stands at N15,800, while Ardova, NIPCO, and Shafa Energy are selling at N18,400. (One metric tonne equals 20 kilograms of LPG.) Scarcity of LPG in major cities such as Lagos and Kano has further contributed to the increase.
Oladapo Olatunbosun, National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, attributes the rise to artificial scarcity, claiming that some marketers are exploiting the shortage to raise prices. The higher cost of cooking gas has significant implications for consumers, especially households that rely heavily on this fuel for cooking.
As supply‑chain disruptions continue, close monitoring of the situation is essential, along with the exploration of potential solutions to mitigate the impact of the price hike. The Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders must collaborate to address the underlying issues driving LPG scarcity and price volatility.
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