Nigerian Gas Retailers Defend Industry Against Underfilling Allegations
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR) has urged consumers to closely monitor their gas refills, dismissing allegations of widespread underfilling in the sector as largely unfounded.
In response to a report published in November alleging systemic malpractice among LPG retailers, the association acknowledged isolated incidents but insisted these do not represent the broader industry. In a statement signed by its NUPENG Branch Chairman, Ayobami Olarinoye, LPGAR attributed consumer perceptions of underfilling to factors unrelated to retailers’ conduct.
“The size of a household significantly influences consumption volume, as does the frequency of use,” Olarinoye noted, adding that many consumers base their judgments on the duration their gas lasts rather than the actual volume used.
The association highlighted other contributors to perceived underfilling, including unauthorized use by children, domestic workers, or neighbors in shared living arrangements, which often goes unnoticed by gas owners. Equipment issues such as leaks from damaged cylinders, faulty hoses, or expired regulators were also identified as major culprits.
“Negligence, like failing to turn off burners after cooking, is one of the most common causes of gas wastage,” Olarinoye remarked, further noting that consumers often forget the dates of their last refills, leading to misplaced accusations against retailers.
LPGAR encouraged consumers to weigh their cylinders before and after refills to verify accuracy and advised those who can afford it to invest in digital scales. The composition of cooking gas was also flagged as a factor, with the association explaining that higher propane content results in faster combustion compared to gas with more butane, potentially fueling misunderstandings.
Reiterating its commitment to ethical standards, LPGAR urged customers to report concerns directly to the association and to patronize outlets displaying its LPGAR-NUPENG Safety Plates for added assurance. The group reaffirmed its dedication to fostering transparency and maintaining trust within the sector.
