Emmanuel Obi
Nigerian households are set to pay more for cooking gas, following a fresh upward adjustment in the ex-gantry price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Findings show that the refinery has increased its Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, price from N980 to N1,030 per kilogram, representing a N50 increment that has already sparked concerns among consumers struggling with rising cost of living. a426
The latest adjustment is coming at a time when retail prices of cooking gas remain unstable across the country. A market survey covering 18 locations in August revealed that Nigerians bought LPG between N1,200 and N1,500 per kilogram, depending on their location. a426
According to data from the survey, Sapele and other parts of Edo State recorded the highest rate at N1,500 per kilogram, which translates to N18,750 for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder. This figure is about N1,903 higher than the national average of N16,847.22 recorded across the surveyed areas. a426
On the other hand, residents of Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Ijebu East in Ogun State enjoyed relatively lower prices. In both locations, cooking gas sold for N1,200 per kilogram, meaning a 12.5kg refill went for N15,000, which is N3,750 less than what consumers paid in Sapele. a426
Market watchers note that prices at other locations fell in between. In Ojo, Lagos Island, Sango Ota, Katsina and parts of Ikorodu, LPG sold for N1,400 per kilogram, while Jos recorded N1,360 per kilogram. Several other areas including Aba, Benin City, Ifo, Karu and Shagamu sold at N1,300 per kilogram. a426
Industry players warn that the increase at the gantry level may soon reflect at retail outlets, as depot owners and marketers factor in transportation, distribution and other operational costs.
For many families who depend on cooking gas as their primary source of energy, the development means an additional burden, as they already contend with high food prices, transport fares and energy costs.
