Scarcity Of Cooking Gas Hits Lagos, Kano, Katsina, Others
Scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas also known as cooking gas has hit Lagos and some other states in the country.
The other affected states, according to findings are: Katsina, Sokoto, Delta, Kaduna and Kano.
The rise in price of the commodity has been noticed since late last month, causing a continuous rise in prices.
Gas terminal owners had increased price by 66 per cent in October alone. Price of 20 metric tons of cooking gas rose from N10m at the beginning of last month to N16 million as of late last month despite NLNG currently supplying 20MT of cooking gas to them at N9m.
Market survey carried out over the weekend, revealed that 12.5kg of cooking gas now sells for between N13,500 and N14,000 at the black market.
Some of the traders said that gas plant owners now sell to them at between N1100-N1200 per 1kg as they could not access enough quantity.
As of June, the price of 12.5kg was around N8, 700. In September price rose to N10, 200, and as of Saturday, price had again risen to between N13, 500-N14, 000.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Oladapo Olatunbosun said on Sunday that there is currently not enough cooking gas in Lagos state.
“In my own gas plant, I sell at N950 per 1kg. So, by all means, the masses should try not to patronise those that don’t have gas plants because they will also add their profit. Those people are also part of the problem we are facing in the country.
Also in Katsina State, the scarcity has been reported in the state.
According to findings, the scarcity was first observed about two weeks ago as several small retailers complained of non-availability. Investigation has also shown that a kilogram of cooking gas goes for nothing less than N1, 400 in the state. No official reason had been given for the scarcity.
Scarcity of cooking gas has also been noticed in Sokoto State metropolis in the last few days, leading to prices being increased indiscriminately.
In Kaduna reported that residents were spotted carrying their cylinders in search of the commodity as of Sunday. Findings showed that a retail price of 5 kilogram went for N5, 500.
In the neighbouring Kano state, our correspondent disclosed that the resurfacing of scarcity of cooking was noticed, as residents are engaging in panic buying of the commodity.
Investigation revealed that following the scarcity, marketers have jerked up the prices as kilogram of cooking gas is now being sold at N850 in some filling stations while others sold it between N900 and N950 per kilogram.
However, long queue of buyers are now common feature at most of filling stations dispensing the commodity.
At other outlets (black market) the price is between N1,110 per kilo and N1200 per kilo.
In Warri and Effurun metropolitan cities of Delta State show that the price of cooking gas has shot up to N1,100 per kg as of Sunday, 5th November, 2023.
The commodity was selling at N800 per kg in October in the twin cities.
When questioned on the rationale for the price increase, a popular gas dealer in Warri identified as Mr. Igho, could not ascertain the cause.
When contacted, an official in the Public Communications Department of the Nigeria Gas Company, Warri, who sought for anonymity, because he was not authorized to speak with the press, declined to comment on the issue.
