Lagos and several other states in Nigeria are currently facing a scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly known as cooking gas.
The shortage has affected states like Katsina, Sokoto, Delta, Kaduna, and Kano, leading to a noticeable rise in prices since late last month. Naija Update had previously reported a 66 percent increase in gas prices in October alone, with the cost of 20 metric tons surging from N10 million at the beginning of the month to N16 million by late October.
This steep rise in prices has caused the cost of 12.5kg of cooking gas to skyrocket, selling for between N13,500 and N14,000 in the black market, a significant increase from the price of around N8,700 in June and N10,200 in September.
According to market surveys conducted by Naija Update, gas plant owners are selling the gas at higher prices to retailers, ranging from N1,100 to N1,200 per 1kg due to their inability to access an adequate quantity of gas.
The scarcity is evident in several states, with consumers struggling to find cooking gas at affordable rates. For instance, in Katsina, the scarcity was first observed about two weeks ago, leading to a retail price of N1,400 per kilogram.
Similar situations were reported in Sokoto, where prices surged indiscriminately, and in Kaduna, where residents were seen searching for the commodity, priced at N5,500 for 5 kilograms.
Panic buying and increased prices were also observed in Kano, with some filling stations selling a kilogram of cooking gas between N850 and N950, while the black market prices ranged from N1,110 to N1,200 per kilogram.
The reasons behind this sudden scarcity and price surge remain unclear, as neither gas dealers nor officials from the Nigeria Gas Company in Warri provided concrete explanations.
The situation has led to inconvenience for consumers, who are facing challenges in accessing affordable cooking gas, thereby highlighting the need for urgent intervention to stabilize the market and ensure a steady supply of this essential commodity for households across the affected states.
The scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has become a pressing issue in several states across Nigeria, including Lagos, Katsina, Sokoto, Delta, Kaduna, and Kano.
This shortage has led to a significant surge in prices since late last month. The scarcity has been particularly problematic for consumers, leading to challenges in accessing affordable and adequate supplies of cooking gas.
In Lagos, residents have reported a mix of liquefied and pure gas, causing the gas to deplete faster than usual.
While some consumers have not experienced an outright scarcity, they have noticed a decrease in the longevity of the gas due to the increased liquefaction. Additionally, prices have risen significantly, with a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas selling for as high as N13,500 to N14,000 in the black market.
Similar situations have been observed in other states, where consumers are grappling with both scarcity and soaring prices.
In Abuja, while there isn’t an acute shortage, consumers have noticed a mix of liquefied and pure gas, leading to a reduced lifespan of the gas in their cylinders.
Prices have also increased substantially, making it more difficult for households to afford this essential commodity. In Kwara, the commodity is available at filling stations, but prices remain high, further burdening consumers.
According to reports, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited currently supplies 70 percent of the cooking gas consumed in the country.
Despite this supply, prices have continued to rise, causing significant concern among consumers and industry stakeholders.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has raised alarms about the escalating prices, urging the government to intervene and stabilize the market.
The association’s president, Oladapo Olatunbosun, warned that without government intervention, prices could skyrocket to as high as N18,000 for a 12.5kg cylinder by December.
In response to the situation, the Federal Government has reportedly summoned the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to address the rising prices.
Terminal owners have defended the price hikes, attributing them to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and increasing crude oil prices in the international market.
The current state of the cooking gas market in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for government intervention and industry-wide initiatives to ensure a stable supply of cooking gas at affordable prices for consumers.
Without swift action, households across the affected states may face increased challenges in accessing this vital energy source
