Residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are voicing frustration over the sharp rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, urging the federal government to step in and stabilize the market.
Over the past weeks, the cost of cooking gas has nearly doubled in some parts of Abuja — jumping from around ₦1,000 per kilogram to as high as ₦2,000. Many households say the spike has put additional pressure on already strained family budgets.
Several residents who spoke with reporters described the situation as unsustainable. A businesswoman, Tina Okojie, said the sudden increase has disrupted her household expenses. “I refilled my 12.5kg cylinder for ₦18,000 after visiting several stations. It used to cost ₦15,000. It’s getting really difficult to manage,” she said.
For others, the price hike has forced them to cut consumption or seek alternatives. Security guard Nura Idris said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder, opting instead for smaller quantities. “I just bought 3kg for ₦4,800. It’s becoming impossible to keep up,” he lamented.
Tailor Bose Ajibade echoed similar concerns, explaining that the cost of refilling her 12.5kg cylinder rose from ₦14,000 to ₦21,000. “The increase is too much. I’ve told my kids to be careful with gas usage until prices drop,” she said.
Some residents have reverted to using charcoal and firewood to cope. Civil servant Beatrice John said she switches to charcoal whenever gas prices rise. “It’s not convenient, but we can’t afford gas at these rates,” she noted.
However, a few residents say they’ve found relief at major depots selling at relatively lower rates. Public servant Ese Okoro said she queued for hours at an NIPCO station, where gas was sold at ₦1,120 per kilogram. “It’s cheaper there, but the lines are long. I hope the government can make supply more consistent,” she said.
In response to the widespread complaints, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of gas depots to prevent hoarding.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed the price surge to a combination of factors, including the temporary shutdown of the Dangote Refinery during a recent workers’ strike and ongoing maintenance at the Nigeria LNG Train Four facility.
He assured that operations have resumed and that gas supplies are being restored to the domestic market. “The situation is temporary. We’re working to ensure stability and adequate distribution across the country,” Ekpo said, urging marketers and distributors to avoid exploiting consumers.
With many households still struggling to adjust, residents are calling for urgent and lasting solutions to prevent further hardship as the cost of living continues to rise.
