Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary came with an unexpected increase in the price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), commonly known as cooking gas. The price of this essential commodity has been fluctuating for the past few months, causing distress for Nigerians. A 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas, which previously sold for around N9,000 to N10,000 in Lagos at the end of September, suddenly surged to N12,500 at the start of October.
This price hike has raised concerns among Nigerians, especially considering earlier warnings from the President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers that the price of a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas could reach as high as N18,000 by December if the government doesn’t intervene to regulate the activities of terminal owners.
The rise in the cost of cooking gas has the potential to impact the environment as well. Some fear that when people can no longer afford cooking gas, they might resort to using firewood, which could lead to deforestation and harm wildlife in the process. Additionally, many people attribute the increase in cooking gas prices to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to higher prices for various goods, including cooking gas.
Experts have identified several contributing factors to the surge in cooking gas prices. One of these is the government’s inability to establish a sustainable policy for the country’s gas system, especially LPG. The lack of infrastructure and capacity in the gas sector also plays a role in this issue. Moreover, the devaluation of the naira and the inability of suppliers, such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), to meet local demand are contemporary factors affecting gas prices.
While the government has been urged to address this problem urgently, the rising cost of cooking gas may force people to use firewood or charcoal, which could have adverse environmental consequences, including deforestation and habitat destruction for wildlife.
Additionally, Nigerians are using cooking gas as an alternative to fuel for generators following the removal of fuel subsidies. This increased demand for cooking gas is further driving up its price. Unless the government takes prompt action to control these escalating costs, there is concern that it may lead to public discontent and environmental degradation.