Many residents of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the surging cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, calling on the government to intervene urgently.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, residents lamented that the sharp price increase had become unsustainable, straining household budgets and daily living costs.
The price of cooking gas reportedly jumped from ₦1,100 per kilogramme to as high as ₦1,800 immediately after the PENGASSAN strike.
Mrs Tina Okojie, a businesswoman, said she recently paid ₦18,125 to refill her 12.5kg cylinder—up from ₦15,000 previously.
“We are already struggling to pay other bills,” she said. “I hope the government can resolve whatever issues are driving this price hike, because many Nigerians depend on gas for cooking.”
Similarly, Mr Nura Idris, a security guard, said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder.
“I used to buy at about ₦5,500, but now it’s ₦8,000. I had to settle for 3kg instead,” he said, appealing to authorities to “help Nigerians who are going through hardship.”
Another resident, Mrs Bose Ajibade, a tailor, said she had cut back on usage due to high prices.
“I used to refill my 12.5kg for ₦14,000; now it’s ₦21,000. I can’t afford it,” she said.
Some households, like that of Mrs Beatrice John, a civil servant, have turned to charcoal as an alternative.
“It’s not convenient, but what can one do?” she asked. “The government must find a lasting solution.”
However, Mrs Ese Okoro, a public servant, said she managed to buy gas at a lower price from a major marketer.
“I filled my 12.5kg cylinder for ₦14,000 at NIPCO after queueing for hours,” she said, urging the government to improve product circulation and curb hoarding.
In response to the outcry, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots to prevent hoarding.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed the price surge to the PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and maintenance work at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility.
He assured that normal supply was being restored, with loading now ongoing at the Dangote Refinery, Seplat’s Bonny River Terminal, and Nigeria LNG.
“We appeal to Nigerians to remain calm. The situation is temporary and will normalise soon,” the minister said.
