The cost of refilling a 12.5-kilogram cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly called cooking gas, has surged by 34.6 percent on a week-on-week basis, rising from N12,750 last week to N17,500 this week.Market checks across major cities revealed that retailers and gas plant operators have adjusted their prices upward, citing rising import costs, supply shortages, and persistent foreign exchange pressures.
Many households and small businesses have been hit hard by the sudden increase, with some consumers turning to kerosene, charcoal, and firewood as alternatives.A retailer in Lagos, Mr. Adewale Akin, lamented the situation, noting that sales had dropped significantly since the new price came into effect. “Customers are complaining; some even bring smaller cylinders to refill because they cannot afford the 12.5kg anymore,” he said.Similarly, traders in Abuja and Port Harcourt confirmed that the price of LPG has become unpredictable in recent weeks, warning that further increases could push more Nigerians away from clean energy usage.
Industry experts link the hike to global energy market volatility and the heavy reliance on imported LPG, which is subject to fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate.The development comes despite repeated assurances from government officials about plans to boost local production and ensure price stability in the domestic gas market.Consumer advocacy groups have called on the federal government to intervene urgently to cushion the impact on Nigerians, especially low-income households who are already grappling with high food and fuel costs.