By George Omagbemi
The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has risen to as high as ₦1,800 per kilogramme in parts of Nigeria, adding to the financial burden on households already grappling with rising living costs.
Checks by TheCable on Thursday, November 12, showed that retail prices had increased in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
In Lagos, Techno Oil outlets in Festac raised their price from ₦1,450 to ₦1,650 per kilogramme, while NipCo outlets at First Gate and the Trade Fair Complex increased theirs from ₦1,280 to ₦1,480.
In Ogun State, prices rose to ₦1,600 per kilogramme at an Ecogas plant in Sagamu and ₦1,650 at Oyejo Gas Station in Shiwun. In Abuja, some outlets sold LPG at ₦1,800 per kilogramme, although NipCo retailed it at ₦1,650.
The increase follows a reported 31.8 per cent rise in depot prices, from ₦1,100 to ₦1,450 per kilogramme within one month.
At ₦1,800 per kilogramme, refilling a 12.5-kilogramme cylinder costs ₦22,500, while a five-kilogramme cylinder costs ₦9,000.
Gas expert Lawal Taofeek attributed the increase partly to seasonal demand in international markets, particularly Europe, where the winter heating season is underway. He said the trend could continue until late December or early January before prices begin to ease.
The rising cost is putting additional pressure on household budgets and small businesses that depend on LPG for cooking and food preparation. However, prices vary according to location, supplier and transportation costs, meaning consumers may pay different rates across the country.
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