Liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known as cooking gas, is currently in short supply in Lagos and various other states nationwide.
Our correspondents have identified the following affected states: Katsina, Sokoto, Delta, Kaduna, and Kano.
The price of this essential commodity has been steadily rising since late last month, leading to escalating costs for consumers. Notably, gas terminal owners had raised prices by 66% in October alone. The cost of a 20-metric-ton load of cooking gas increased from N10 million at the beginning of the previous month to N16 million by the end of the same month, even though the NLNG (Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas) was supplying 20 MT of cooking gas to them at N9 million.
A market survey over the weekend revealed that a 12.5-kg cylinder of cooking gas is now selling for prices ranging from N13,500 to N14,000 on the black market. Some traders noted that gas plant owners are now selling to them at prices between N1,100 and N1,200 per kg since they cannot access an adequate supply.
In June, the price for a 12.5-kg cylinder was approximately N8,700. By September, it had risen to N10,200, and as of Saturday, the cost had surged to a range between N13,500 and N14,000.
In a conversation with Oladapo Olatunbosun, the President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, it was revealed that there is currently an insufficient supply of cooking gas in Lagos State. Olatunbosun also mentioned that in his gas plant, he sells at N950 per 1kg, urging the public to be cautious and avoid patronizing those without gas plants, as they would add their profit margins, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country.
