Abuja: Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerns over the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, urging the government to address the issue promptly.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the residents lamented the unsustainable price hike, which has significantly impacted their household expenses. The recent increase in LPG prices has seen costs soar from N1,100 per kilogram to as much as N1,800 per kilogram at various outlets, following a strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Mrs. Tina Okojie, a businesswoman, reported that she had to refill her 12.5kg cylinder for N18,125, up from the previous N15,000. She explained that she visited multiple outlets before purchasing at Shafa filling station, expressing hope that the government would address the underlying issues affecting gas prices.
Mr. Nura Idris, a security man, shared that the price increase has made it difficult for him to afford refilling his 5kg cylinder, prompting him to call for government intervention. He mentioned that he now buys 3kg for N4,800, as opposed to the previous N5,500 to N5,800 for 5kg.
Mrs. Bose Ajibade, a tailor, stated that she could not afford to fill her 12.5kg cylinder until prices decrease. She noted that the cost in her area had risen from N14,000 to N21,000, which is beyond what many Nigerians can afford.
Mrs. Beatrice John, a civil servant, revealed that she resorts to using charcoal as an alternative when gas prices rise. She highlighted that the current price makes it challenging for her large family to sustain the use of LPG for cooking.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ese Okoro, a public servant, found a cheaper option at major marketers like NIPCO, where she queued for hours but managed to refill her 12.5kg cylinder for N14,000. She urged the Federal Government to expedite product circulation to ease the situation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has tasked the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) with intensifying LPG depot monitoring to prevent hoarding. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, identified the PENGASSAN industrial action and maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG train four facility as primary causes for the price surge. He assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG loading underway for the domestic market.
Ekpo appealed for public patience and understanding, promising that the situation would normalize soon. He urged stakeholders in the LPG value chain to avoid hoarding and to act in the interest of the public.
