FCT residents lament fresh hike in cooking gas price

Residents of Nigeria's capital, Abuja, are expressing frustration over a recent hike in the price of cooking gas. The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has risen from as low as N1,250 to between N1,380 and N2,000 per kilogramme, depending on the location and outlet. This price jump has forced many households to cut back on their gas consumption, adjust their budgets, and seek alternative cooking fuels.

For instance, Mrs. Rukayyah Muhammed, who used to pay N1,300 for a kilogramme of gas, now pays N1,700 at a black-market outlet. She has resorted to using a coal stove and charcoal as alternatives, citing the rising cost of basic necessities as unbearable. Mrs. Tunde, another resident, noted that a 12kg cylinder that used to cost N16,500 to refill now costs N18,750, which has impacted her household budget. She has resorted to using an electric cooker, as the gas does not last as long as expected.

The price increase has also affected retailers, who are seeing reduced patronage due to customers buying smaller quantities. A gas operator with E. Adeboluwa International Limited attributes the rise partly to increased transportation costs, exacerbated by poor road conditions and higher fuel prices. Black-market operators have also noticed the increase, raising their prices from N1,500 to N1,700 per kilogramme.

Despite the demand, some operators are still selling their existing stock at the old price, as they have yet to purchase a new supply.

The price hike has also impacted small businesses that rely on LPG. Isyaka Mai Shayi, an Indomie and tea seller, has seen his operating costs rise, as he now pays N1,300 for a kilogramme of gas, compared to N600 a few years ago. Despite some customers complaining about the higher prices, Mai Shayi has seen no significant drop in his business, as many customers have limited alternatives.