Nigeria’s Government Vows to Tackle Rising LPG Prices Amid Distribution of Gas Cylinders in Lagos
The Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has pledged that the Federal Government will take decisive steps to reduce the escalating cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.
This announcement came on Monday as the Decade of Gas Initiative kicked off its distribution of gas cylinders to approximately 300 women in Lagos State. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase access to clean cooking fuels across Nigeria.
Recent reports indicate a sharp rise in the price of cooking gas, with the cost of one kilogramme increasing from about N1,000 in June and July to N1,300 in certain areas. A 12kg cylinder, which was recently refilled at N12,000, now costs between N16,000 and N17,000.
Addressing these concerns, Ekpo stated his intention to convene a meeting with industry regulators and gas producers to find solutions for reducing prices. “I got that information this morning that the price of cooking gas is rising again. So, what I am going to do is invite the regulators and the producers and have a meeting with them. We are looking to bring down the price so that it will be affordable,” Ekpo affirmed.
The minister stressed that the government’s focus on energy security hinges on both affordability and availability, highlighting the need to address the price surge. “The energy security that we are talking about is about affordability and availability. So, we are going to ensure that whatever is the reason behind the hike in price, we will make sure we bring it down,” he added.
As part of the government’s strategy to provide one million homes with access to clean cooking by 2030, Ekpo emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional cooking methods like firewood, kerosene, and charcoal to LPG. He urged the recipients not to sell the cylinders, assuring them of more affordable gas in the future. “Don’t worry about what is going on today, we are working with the sectors that are related to this to make sure we bring down the price. We plead with you to be patient, work with the government and the government will work for you for a better tomorrow,” Ekpo emphasised.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also called on beneficiaries to abandon firewood for cooking, noting its environmental and health hazards, including risks of miscarriage. Represented by his aide, Professor Babatunde Bolaji, Akume reassured that the government’s efforts to curb gas flaring would increase the domestic gas supply and reduce prices.
The Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Mr. Ed Ebong, revealed that the government plans to distribute 250,000 cylinders annually until 2030. The distribution in Lagos marked the beginning of the LPG penetration programme in the South-West, with plans to extend to Akwa Ibom in the coming days.
