Cooking Gas Crisis: Price Stubbornly Stays At ₦1,800 Despite Government Promises

Despite the Federal Government’s recent assurances to address the soaring cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, the price of the commodity has remained unchanged in many parts of the country. According to Ireporter Online, residents in Abuja confirmed that cooking gas is still being sold for as high as ₦1,800 per kilogram, particularly by roadside retailers.

Findings from a recent market survey revealed that the price of LPG, which previously averaged ₦1,100 per kilogram, surged to ₦1,800 following the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). This sharp increase occurred despite the government’s intervention and directives to relevant authorities to stabilize supply and curb hoarding.

In response to the situation, the Federal Government instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify surveillance on gas depots to ensure compliance with pricing and prevent artificial scarcity.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, identified two key reasons for the persistent price hike — the recent strike action at the Dangote Refinery and ongoing maintenance activities at the NLNG Train 4 plant, which significantly disrupted local supply. He, however, expressed optimism that the situation was beginning to stabilize, noting that operations had resumed at both the Dangote Refinery and the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat, with the NLNG facility gradually restoring normal output.

At the retail level, sellers insisted they could not reduce prices yet due to existing high-cost inventory. One local retailer, Kingsley Paul, explained that they were still selling gas purchased at the old inflated rate and would only adjust prices downward once new, cheaper supplies arrive.

Similarly, a manager at a major retail outlet, who declined to be named, disclosed that the product was currently sold for ₦1,450 per kilogram, attributing the price to the lingering effects of earlier high-cost purchases.

Meanwhile, consumers and environmental advocates have called on the government to take more decisive measures to make LPG affordable, citing its environmental and health benefits. Environmental expert, Christian Chibuzor, applauded the federal government’s clean-energy initiatives but warned that persistently high prices could discourage households, particularly in rural areas, from switching to cleaner energy sources.

He emphasized that cooking gas significantly reduces carbon emissions and helps mitigate climate change compared to traditional fuels like firewood, charcoal, and kerosene. However, he cautioned that unless the government demonstrates firm commitment to lowering prices, the adoption of cleaner cooking alternatives could stall.