The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking steps to tackle the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced that the government would do everything possible to bring down prices, which have surged to N1,300 per kilogram in some areas.
Recent reports indicate that the price of cooking gas, which had decreased to around N1,000 per kilogram in June and July, has now risen sharply. Consumers are now paying between N16,000 and N17,000 to refill a 12kg cylinder, a significant increase from N12,000 just a few weeks ago.
Government to Engage Regulators and Producers
In response to the price hike, Minister Ekpo stated that he plans to meet with regulators and gas producers to find solutions to make cooking gas more affordable. He emphasized the importance of ensuring both affordability and availability of energy as part of the government’s commitment to energy security.
Cylinder Distribution Initiative Launched
As part of the Decade of Gas Initiative, the government has begun distributing gas cylinders to households, starting with 300 women in Lagos State. This is part of a broader plan to provide 1 million homes with access to clean cooking by 2030. President Bola Tinubu approved the initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Appeal to Switch to Cleaner Cooking Methods
Minister Ekpo urged the beneficiaries to switch from firewood, kerosene, and charcoal to LPG, citing its cleanliness, safety, and environmental benefits. He assured them that the government is working to reduce gas prices and encouraged patience during this process.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reiterated the government’s efforts to reduce gas flaring, which would increase the availability of gas and potentially lower prices. Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, also warned against the health and environmental risks associated with using firewood for cooking.
Ongoing LPG Penetration Efforts
The Decade of Gas secretariat, coordinated by Mr. Ed Ebong, aims to distribute 250,000 gas cylinders annually until 2030. The distribution program, which kicked off in Lagos, will continue in Akwa-Ibom and other regions across the country.
