Gas Scarcity Looms In Lagos State And Others

[Amope]

Gas scarcity looms in Lagos State and others

Cooking gas scarcity has become a concerning issue in Lagos State and a number of other states, including Katsina, Sokoto, Delta, Kaduna, and Kano.

This shortage has triggered a significant price surge, with gas terminal owners increasing prices by 66% in October alone. For instance, the cost of a 20 metric ton cylinder has risen from N10 million to N16 million despite the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) supplying 20MT at N9 million.

A recent market survey  uncovered that a 12.5kg cylinder now sells for between N13,500 and N14,000 on the black market, a sharp increase from N8,700 in June. Traders revealed that gas plant owners are now selling to them at N1,100-N1,200 per 1kg due to limited availability.

In a conversation with the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers President, Oladapo Olatunbosun, it was disclosed that the scarcity is impacting Lagos State as well. Olatunbosun cautioned consumers to avoid sellers without gas plants, as they are contributing to the problem by inflating prices for their profit.

In Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Kano was reported. Small retailers have complained about the unavailability of cooking gas, with prices soaring to around N1,400 per kilogram. Residents in these states are now seen searching for the commodity, facing the brunt of the scarcity firsthand.