FCT residents lament soaring cooking gas prices

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory have decried the high cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the persistent price hikes.

Residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja said the recent surge in gas prices is unsustainable and negatively affecting household expenses.

recalls that the prices of cooking gas rose recently from an average of N1,000 per kilogram to about N2,000/kg in some locations. This followed the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria during the rift between it and the Dangote refinery.

A businesswoman, Mrs Tina Okojie, said she refilled her 12.5kg cylinder for N18,125, up from N15,000.

“I had to visit three outlets in my area before I finally bought at Shafa filling station. We are already struggling with other bills, and this is affecting my expenditure on other needs. I hope the government can address the issue because many Nigerians rely on gas for cooking,” she said.

A security guard, Mr Nura Idris, said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder and called on the government to intervene.

“I usually fill my 5kg cylinder for between N5,500 and N5,800. Now it costs N8,000. I just bought 3kg at N4,800 and have been managing. I call on the government to please help Nigerians; we are going through a lot of hardship. Let them find a solution to the high cost of cooking gas,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Bose Ajibade, a tailor, said she could not refill her 12.5kg cylinder until the price comes down.

“I was refilling at N14,000; now it’s N21,000. The difference is too much. How many Nigerians can afford this? I just bought what N14,000 could give me because I’ve already budgeted that amount. Going beyond that will affect my expenses on other items. I have cautioned my children not to waste gas. I am calling on the government to come to our aid,” she said.

A civil servant, Mrs Beatrice John, said she resorts to charcoal whenever gas prices increase.

Whenever gas goes up, I use my charcoal stove. It’s not convenient, but what can one do? I have a large family, and with the current price, it’s difficult to sustain its use alongside other bills. The government needs to find a lasting solution,” she said.

However, some residents are still able to access gas at lower prices. Mrs. Ese Okoro, a public servant, said she purchased her cylinder from major marketers amid long queues.

“I refrained from using roadside outlets due to the price surge and bought from NIPCO, which sells at about N1,120 per kg. I filled my 12.5kg cylinder for N14,000 after queuing for a few hours. The situation seems to be easing gradually. I urge the Federal Government to ensure full product circulation to restore normalcy and affordability,” she said.

Following the price hike, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots to prevent hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the surge was mainly caused by the PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and ongoing maintenance at Nigeria LNG Train Four, which reduced LPG availability.

He assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG now being loaded for the domestic market.

“Similarly, the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion,” Ekpo said.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and assured that the situation is temporary. He also called on marketers, distributors, and stakeholders in the LPG value chain to be patriotic and desist from hoarding.

NAN