Cooking Gas Price Increases, Sells For Over ₦1,500/Kg

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has expressed concern over inconsistent supply and escalating prices of cooking gas, cautioning that this situation could lead to shortages and increase the difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Reports from Naija News indicate that Liquefied Petroleum Gas is currently priced above ₦1,500 per kilogram in several areas.

The association also pointed out that marketers are presently paying between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of the product, depending on the specific location.

Investigations revealed that the price of the product, which had recently been under ₦1,000 per kilogram, has surged to around ₦1,500 or beyond, with some vendors charging between ₦1,600 and ₦2,000.

In a joint statement from NALPGAM's National President, Edu Inyang, and Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, the association characterized the predicament as “unfortunate and truly disheartening.”

The statement stated, “Nigerians are now confronted with the necessity to purchase cooking gas, which ought to be a basic necessity, at an exorbitant rate exceeding ₦1,500 per kg, while the marketers face costs ranging from ₦25,200,000 to ₦26,200,000 for 20 metric tonnes of cooking gas based on different locations.

“We believe that if this situation is not promptly addressed, the populace may react against the proprietors of gas filling stations.”

The marketers noted that this situation has imposed difficulties on numerous households, small enterprises, food vendors, and low-income families reliant on LPG for their cooking and daily sustenance.

The association stated that its members nationwide are finding it challenging to obtain LPG because of “ongoing supply issues, elevated depot prices, logistical challenges, and rapidly increasing operational expenses.”

“We have noticed that when the product is accessible, it is sold at prices significantly higher than what the average Nigerian can afford,” the organization remarked.

Threats to Clean Energy Progress
NALPGAM cautioned that the ongoing crisis is jeopardizing the advancements made through government initiatives designed to encourage the use of LPG and cleaner cooking energy sources.

It mentioned that numerous families that had transitioned to using cooking gas are now facing difficulties in refilling their cylinders.

“While millions of Nigerians have turned to cooking gas due to the national clean energy transition policy, it is regrettable to report that these achievements are at stake as families struggle to refill cylinders, small businesses are closing due to rising energy expenses, and many are reverting to using firewood and charcoal, which has serious consequences for public health, environmental damage, and deforestation,” the statement indicated.

The association warned that neglecting to resolve the crisis could exacerbate food inflation, lead to the collapse of small LPG retail businesses, result in job losses, diminish investor trust, and hinder Nigeria's commitments to clean energy.

It urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, local producers, terminal operators, and international suppliers to take prompt measures to stabilize the market.

NALPGAM suggested increasing domestic LPG supplies, ensuring transparent distribution of the available product, minimizing importation and distribution challenges, intervening to stabilize retail prices, and investing in storage and distribution infrastructure.
The declaration stated, "We cannot remain inactive and allow countless Nigerian families to endure hardship in silence as gaining access to clean cooking energy becomes more challenging and too expensive.

"For many years, both the government and industry stakeholders have made efforts to steer Nigerians away from hazardous fuels. Those achievements are now facing significant jeopardy.

"Families are unable to refill their gas cylinders, small enterprises are having trouble staying afloat, and those in vulnerable situations are reverting to using firewood and charcoal, which brings severe health risks and environmental harm.

"We thus express a heartfelt and patriotic request to the Federal Government for immediate measures to ensure the stability of supply and prices. NALPGAM is prepared to cooperate in finding enduring solutions, but prompt action is essential at this moment."