The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (cooking gas) has surged to as high as N2,400 per kilogramme in some retail outlets across Nigeria, worsening the hardship for households already battling soaring food prices. While some filling stations sell at N1,650 to N1,900 per kg, black market operators charge significantly higher.
Residents in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ilorin report paying N1,650 per kg compared to N1,100 in May, with some switching to charcoal. The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers warned of possible scarcity and public unrest.
Low-income families are being forced to abandon clean cooking fuel for firewood and charcoal, harming health.
Every price hike directly increases household food costs, as cooking becomes more expensive.
Domestic production has increased, yet prices keep rising, exposing distribution and pricing failures.
Small businesses that rely on gas for cooking and catering face higher operating costs, potentially passing them to customers.
Without intervention, more Nigerians will suffer respiratory illnesses from smoke inhalation.
The government must investigate why increased domestic production is not lowering prices and stabilising the supply chain before the crisis escalates.
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