The cost of cooking gas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has drastically increased across the country. No thanks to the Russian- Ukrainian war that has caused a lot of disruption to the supply chain of the product.
The Nigeria LNG which has been very active in the production and supply of the commodity cannot produce all that is needed domestically.
The larger chunk of the LPG needed in the country is imported and because of this, it has fallen victim to this war which nobody can predict when it is going to end,
Another thing that is responsible for the increase in the price of the product is the issue of foreign exchange. The Naira has been highly devalued. This has therefore affected the local price
In the retail market 12.5 Kg cylinder ranges between to N11,000 and 12,000 depending on where it is purchased. This was against the N9000per unit cost of 12.5KG about a month ago.
Major importers of the commodity in the country are also struggling to get foreign exchange to purchase the commodity.
In many parts of Lagos, the price of 12.5kg is N11,000. While in Ibadan, a 6kg cylinder has hit N4000. This was sold at about N 1,500 and N2000 before.
The prices of various categories of cylinders in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, according to the investigation have increased.
In Awkunanaw area of the state, several retail outlets sell a kilogram of gas between N780 and N800 as against the former price of N720 and N750.
However, a mini gas depot in the same area sells the product at a reduced price of N725 per kilo; two kilograms go for N1500; while a 2.5kg goes for N1900 and three kilograms for N2,250.
On why the change in the price of the product, an official of a depot who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the price of gas was not stable.
“This price schedule can change any time. You may come here tomorrow and discover that the price has gone up or come down; it all depends on the suppliers, “the official said.
Another gas depot in the Top Land area, Solution Gas Depot sells three kilograms of gas at N2,600 while five kilograms goes for N3, 600.
NAN also visited another retail outlet on Edinburgh Road in the heart of Enugu metropolis where a kilogram of gas goes for N850.
Another retail outlet at Obiagu also sells a kilo of gas at N850.
The seller, Ugochukwu Nweze explained that the price was not constant as it could change anytime.
“Even today, this price can change again it depends on where you buy your product.
“If you buy from a depot that is far from your shop, you have to add transportation and every other cost, probably that is the reason for different prices,” he said.
Elsewhere across the country, the prices of different kilogram bottles have risen astronomically
olusola Bello
