Households suffer as cooking gas shortage worsens, rises to N25,000

The cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, has risen to N25,000 this week, up from N17,500 the previous week.

Investigations have confirmed that the price for 1kg is currently between N1,500 and N2,000, varying by location.

Mr. Bassey Essien, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), stated yesterday that the distribution of the product was hindered by the recent industrial action taken by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

He remarked: "Dangote Petroleum Refinery is presently the largest local supplier of cooking gas in Nigeria. The situation involving PENGASSAN disrupted distribution, preventing many dealers from restocking their supplies during this time.

"What we are experiencing is a result of the imbalance between demand and supply. In reality, the demand for cooking gas exceeds the available supply. However, supply is expected to stabilize in the upcoming days as the conflict is resolved."

Further investigations revealed that numerous gas plants lacking the product were closed yesterday in Lagos and surrounding areas, forcing consumers to search extensively for gas.

Recently, Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, announced that the refinery is currently producing 2,000 tonnes of LPG daily, with plans to further increase output to satisfy the nation's demand.

Dangote, who voiced concerns regarding Nigeria's energy poverty, stated: "If distributors do not make efforts to reduce prices, we will sell directly to consumers, enabling them to transition from firewood or kerosene to LPG for cooking."

Prior to the refinery's intervention, the nation's LPG needs were primarily fulfilled by NLNG Limited.
In a report obtained yesterday, NLNG Limited stated: "At NLNG, we are dedicated to providing clean, reliable energy to every Nigerian household. Since 2007, under our Domestic LPG (DLPG) initiative, we have been supplying Butane – a common...

“Over the years, we have steadily increased the volume reserved for the domestic market. In 2022, we took a bold step and committed 100% of our Butane production to Nigeria’s domestic needs. Thanks to this commitment, all of our Butane output is now fully absorbed locally.

“To get cooking gas to Nigerian homes efficiently, NLNG supplies Butane to selected partners (our Off-takers) through approved coastal LPG terminals.

“These terminals are currently located in Lagos and Rivers States, with more facilities in Delta State under review – and plans underway to expand to even more locations. By reaching different regions, we are bringing cooking gas closer to consumers.

‘’We have also chartered a dedicated vessel to ensure regular, reliable delivery of Butane to these terminals, making cooking gas more available, accessible, affordable, and acceptable across the country.”