Gas cylinders
Amid rising concerns over the surging cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, both consumers and retailers are urging the Federal Government to take immediate steps to stabilise prices and ensure consistent availability across the country.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, respondents expressed frustration over recent price hikes following the industrial dispute involving Dangote Refinery and petroleum workers’ unions.
Though the situation is said to be improving, many still believe that firm government intervention is crucial to fully restore supply and curb arbitrary price increases.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) had earlier attributed the spike in LPG prices to disruptions in loading and distribution, which occurred during a strike action led by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The strike followed the reported dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery and caused delays at jetties and distribution terminals, leading to what NNPC described as an “artificial” increase in prices.
The strike was officially suspended on October 1 after government waded in.
Before the crisis, cooking gas sold for between ₦1,100 and ₦1,200 per kilogram in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, during the height of the disruption, prices soared to between ₦1,400 and ₦1,800 per kilogram in some areas due to reduced supply and hoarding by some dealers.
A NAN survey showed that while private outlets in areas like Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Lugbe, and Nyanya-Karshi now experience little or no queues, consumers are still paying elevated prices. Notably, the NIPCO station in Nyanya-Karshi maintained a lower price of ₦1,080 per kilogram, leading to queues at the outlet.
Mrs. Rose Peters, who was among those waiting in line at the NIPCO station, expressed frustration. “I had to queue for hours just to refill my cylinder. It’s no surprise—the price here is lower than elsewhere,” she said.
John Okoro, another consumer, voiced concern over the lasting impact of the crisis on prices. “I live in Gwagwalada. There’s no scarcity right now, but I’m buying at ₦1,400 per kg compared to the ₦1,200 I used to pay. I hope things return to normal soon,” he said.
Mr. Emmanuel Ekesi also called for tighter regulation of LPG pricing. “Some Nigerians are taking advantage of the situation to inflate prices unnecessarily. I bought gas at ₦1,500 per kg at a station in Lugbe,” he lamented.
For dealers, the crisis exposed the fragility of the supply chain. Mr. Promise Ajujumbu, CEO of Promise of God Gas and spokesperson of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR), Nyanya Unit, explained that the union’s strike disrupted supply chains across the board.
“Tankers were stuck in long queues for days. The situation is gradually improving, but we’re still far from normal operations,” he said.
Ajujumbu appealed to the government to collaborate more closely with the Dangote Refinery to improve access and pricing. “The refinery currently sells at ₦780 per litre to marketers. With proper coordination, this could translate to more affordable prices for consumers,” he added.
NAN
