Concerns are growing over the escalating price of cooking gas in Nigeria, with reports indicating that a kilogram of cooking gas now costs between N1,000 and N1,200 in various parts of the country.
According to Daily Trust, there are fears that the price may continue to surge due to supply disruptions, causing unease among consumers.
In Lagos State, a check revealed that 12.5 kilograms of cooking gas is being sold for N12,000 at some retail stations, while a kilogram is priced at N1,150 to N1,200 in areas on the outskirts of Lagos, such as Mowe, Ibafo, and Magboro, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Retailers have cited supply disruptions as the reason behind the scarcity.
Checks by journalists showed that many retail stations across Lagos have run out of stock, leading to increased prices in areas like Lagos Mainland, where a kilogram is now sold for N1,100, up from N750 just a week earlier.
In Kano, consumers also faced price hikes, with some vendors selling a kilogram for N880, N950, or N1,000, compared to the previous price of N750.
Many households in the state have resorted to using charcoal due to the increased gas prices.
Various factors, including the weak naira, limited bulk storage, scattered terminals, high transportation costs, and poor road networks, have contributed to the rising prices of cooking gas.
These price increases have raised concerns among consumers and businesses alike, impacting daily cooking routines and menu prices in restaurants.
With the ongoing supply disruptions and price hikes, the future of cooking gas affordability remains uncertain for many Nigerians.