- Persistent shortage of cooking gas in Nigeria has led to price surges in regions like Lagos, Kano, and Maiduguri
- Gas dealers attribute the scarcity to a malfunctioning vessel affecting supply, leading to variations in gas prices across filling stations
Nigerians continue to grapple with a persistent shortage of Liquefied Natural Gas, commonly known as cooking gas, leading to a surge in prices nationwide. This issue is notably affecting regions like Lagos, Kano, and Maiduguri.
Despite these challenges, gas dealers have reassured the public that this scarcity is a temporary setback, primarily stemming from a malfunctioning vessel scheduled to supply gas to Lagos terminals.
As a result of this situation, certain terminals are carefully managing their supply, and several filling stations cannot provide this essential resource.
Lagos Dilemma: A Restricted Supply Landscape
Inspections of filling stations and retail outlets across parts of Lagos State reveal a concerning trend—only a handful of these establishments are operational, and gas prices exhibit significant variation.
At Iyana Ipaja, one of our correspondents visited two retail gas stations, but regrettably, only one was operational.
During a visit to the Petrocam Station at Ile-Epo, Oke Odo, it was observed that a 12.5kg gas cylinder, which was priced at N12,000 the previous day, was now unavailable.
An attendant informed our correspondent that the station was still awaiting supply from the terminal, despite many customers queuing with their empty cylinders.
Kano Predicament: A Lingering Scarcity
In Kano, our correspondent reports an enduring shortage, with gas prices reaching as high as N1,300 per kilogram at some stations.
Abubakar Aliyu, a retailer, shared, “Despite my frequent sourcing trips for cooking gas, I rarely return empty-handed. Occasionally, I purchase directly from the company. However, during scarcity, we are informed about the shortage to request additional supplies.”
Adamu Abdullahi, another retailer, expressed, “Frankly, compared to a few days ago, we are currently facing significant cooking gas scarcity. Acquiring supplies now takes much longer, and we must queue from morning until evening to secure any deliveries.”
Auwal Umar Baba, the manager of Bilkaka Oil & Gas Plant, acknowledged the gas scarcity, attributing it in part to the foreign exchange crisis.
Maiduguri Challenge: Gas Scarcity’s Impact
In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the scarcity of cooking gas greatly affects numerous households.
Daily Trust’s investigation reveals that the surge in gas prices is primarily attributed to the scarcity itself and additional operational expenses.
Muhammad Abacha Maidoki, a staff member of Machar Oil and Gas Limited, attributed the price increase to difficulties in accessing supply and rising transportation costs. He explained that their drivers now spend up to two weeks on the road to transport gas, a substantial increase from the five days required in the past due to poor road conditions.
Another gas station manager, who remained anonymous, confirmed that 1kg of gas was now being sold for N1,166 at their station.
Price disparities were evident in all the stations surveyed, with some charging N14,000 for a 12.5kg cylinder while others offered it at N13,500.
Customers voiced their concerns about the frequent gas price hikes, emphasizing the strain on their budgets and the risks these fluctuations pose to their businesses.