By Milcah Tanimu
The price of cooking gas is on the rise in various parts of Nigeria, with concerns growing over its affordability and accessibility. A kilogram of cooking gas is now being sold for between N1,000 and N1,200 in some areas of the country, according to checks by Daily Trust.
One of the contributing factors to the rising gas prices is the scarcity of the product, which some marketers attribute to supply disruptions. In Lagos, for instance, 12.5 kilograms of cooking gas is sold for N12,000 at certain retail stations, and a kilogram is priced between N1,150 and N1,200 in outskirts like Mowe, Ibafo, and Magboro, situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Many retail stations have run out of stock, causing concerns among families and businesses.
The president of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, has called on the federal government to proactively address the issue. He cited supply disruption as a major factor in the gas scarcity, noting that the vessel that was supposed to offload gas in Lagos had not yet done so. 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 attributed the price increase to the high cost of transportation due to expensive diesel, as well as other factors like the weak naira and limited bulk storage.
An oil and gas expert, Dr. Dauda Garuba, expressed concern that many Nigerians might resort to using firewood for cooking, which would have negative environmental implications. He emphasized the need for the government to address the issue to protect the poor and ensure that gas remains affordable.
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