Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the high cost of liquefied natural gas (LPG), known as cooking gas, calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the trend

The residents, who spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, lamented that the recent price hike was unsustainable and impacting negatively on their expenses.

The price of cooking gas skyrocketed from N1,100 for 1 kg to as high as N1,800 per kg in various outlets immediately after the PENGASSAN strike.

A businesswoman, Tina Okojie, said she refilled her 12.5kg cylinder for N18,125 as against N15,000.

Ms Okojie said, “I had to visit three outlets in my area before I got to buy at Shafa filling station. We are already struggling to pay other bills and it is affecting my expenditure on other needs.

” I hope the government can address whatever the issues are with the price of cooking gas because many Nigerians rely on it as their cooking source.”

A security man, Nura Idris, said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder due to the price increase as he called on the government to intervene.

“I usually fill my 5kg cylinder for between N5, 500 to N5, 800. Now the price is N8,000. So I just bought 3kg at N4,800 and I have been managing it.

“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, a tailor, Bose Ajibade, said she could not afford to fill up her 12.5kg cylinder until the price comes down.

“I was refilling at N14,000, now it is N21,000 for the same 12.5kg in my area. The difference is too much. How many Nigerians can afford to buy gas at this price?

“I just bought what  N14,000 could give me because I have already budgeted that amount for gas, going beyond that will affect my expenses on other items.

“I have cautioned my children not to waste gas and always be alert when cooking. I am calling on the government to come to the aid of Nigerians and address the price increase,” she said.

A civil servant, Beatrice John, said she resorted to using charcoal as an alternative whenever the price of cooking gas increased.

“Whenever gas increases, I bring out my charcoal stove as my alternative. It is not really convenient but what can one do?

“I have a large family, and with the current price of gas, it will be difficult for us to sustain its use, coupled with other bills.

“The government needs to find a lasting solution to address the persistent increase in cooking gas,” she said.

However, a public servant, Ese Okoro, said she was able to get cooking gas at a cheaper rate compared to other outlets, amid long queues.

She stated, “I have refrained from using roadside outlets due to the price surge and resorted to buying from major marketers such as NIPCO, which sells at about N1,120 currently amid long queues.

“I filled my 12.5 kg cylinder for N14,000 after queuing for a few hours, but the situation seems to be easing gradually.

“I urge the federal government to fast-track full product circulation to restore normalcy and also enable affordability to mitigate sufferings being experienced by end-users.”

Following the recent price hike, the federal government mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify LPG depot monitoring to prevent product hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the recent price surge was primarily caused by two factors which involved the industrial action by PENGASSAN at the Dangote Refinery.

Mr Ekpo added that the other factor was the ongoing maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG train four facility, which reduced the volume of LPG available in the domestic market.

He, however, assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery have now resumed, with loading of LPG to the domestic market already ongoing.

“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,” he said.

Mr Ekpo appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and show understanding while assuring them that the situation was temporary and would normalise soon.

The minister also appealed to marketers, distributors, and all stakeholders in the LPG value chain to be patriotic in their dealings and to desist from hoarding.

(NAN)