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Cooking gas price jumps to N1,500/kg

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As Nigerians struggle with the high cost of petrol, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, has also increased to N1,500/kg.

But the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIPCO Plc, Suresh Kumar, said the Dangote refinery and other domestic refineries would bring down the price of cooking gas, expressing concerns that over 60 per cent of cooking gas consumed in Nigeria is being imported.

Checks by our correspondent confirmed that the prices of cooking gas peaked at N1,500/kg in some retail outlets in Ogun and Lagos States as of Sunday.

In Abuja, the average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas has increased by 41.6 per cent to N17,000 in different areas.

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The PUNCH reports that the same commodity sold for N12,000 in July and N11,735 in January 2024.

This sharp price rise reflects ongoing trends in the market and may have implications for consumers, many of whom rely on LPG for their daily cooking needs.

In August, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, promised to ensure a reduction in the rising cost of a kilogram of cooking gas.

Ekpo noted that he would invite the regulators and the gas producers to find ways to bring down the cost.

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However, a new market survey conducted by our correspondent on Sunday revealed that the price has not decreased; instead, it has risen even further.

An analysis showed that the product currently sells for N17,000 in Lokogoma area of the FCT, an increase of 41.6 per cent from N12,000 vendors sold to customers three months ago. This means one kilogram of gas was sold for N1,400.

In Kubwa, the product was sold between N16,200 and N16,500 from N12,000 previously charged. But in the outskirt area of Bwari, Kurudu and Jikwoyi, the product sold for N1,300.

Some major distributors still sell the product between N1,300 and N1,400 depending on the location.

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The Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, once told one of our correspondents that many might resort to charcoal for cooking if the price of LPG continues to rise.

However, speaking at the just-concluded National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers 2024, held in Lagos, Kumar, revealed that local production of LPG remains inadequate, urging the Federal Government to encourage Chevron to convert more of its propane output into propane.

“Currently, less than 40 per cent of the 1.5 million metric tonnes consumed domestically is produced locally. This is why the government must encourage companies like Chevron to convert more of their propane output into butane, which is more suitable for domestic use,” he explained.

Responding to questions about the rising cost of LPG amid a blend of local and imported supply, the managing director expressed optimism that prices would decline as domestic production improves, especially as the local refineries source crude oil locally.

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“With the Dangote refinery and other refineries now sourcing crude oil in local currency, the volume of LPG produced locally is expected to increase, which will, in turn, drive down the price of the commodity,” the MD explained.

He added, “There is hope that the reliance on imported LPG will decrease, which will positively influence the prices at which the product is sold domestically. Greater local production will make LPG more affordable since it reduces exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations and international pricing dynamics.”

According to him, boosting local production would attract further investments in pipelines, storage, and bottling facilities, as well as expand retail outlets and LPG depots across Nigeria.

“Our latest assessments show that the existing downstream infrastructure is capable of handling up to 5 million MT annually. This means we are ready to accommodate increased production from both associated and non-associated gas fields within the country,” the MD said.

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He urged the government to introduce incentives to encourage investments in gas processing.

According to him, NIPCO, which has been operational since 2004, initially entered the industry as a marketer of white products (petroleum fuels).

He, however, emphasised that the company’s long-term vision has always been to become a leader in the marketing and distribution of LPG.

Kumar said, “Our strategy was driven by the fact that Nigeria has over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. We believe that the country’s gas consumption must be optimised through the promotion of both LPG for domestic use and CNG for the industrial and transportation sector.”

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He further emphasised the company’s investments in infrastructure, noting that NIPCO has expanded its LPG operations significantly over the years.

“In 2008, we invested in an LPG facility in Apapa with a capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes. Today, that same facility has grown to over 20,000 metric tonnes, thanks to strategic partnerships with our subsidiaries.

“We have also deployed LPG tankers and established multiple stations across Nigeria to ensure easy access to cooking gas for households nationwide,” Kumar revealed.

He further explained that while LPG is essential for homes, CNG will play a key role in powering industries and transforming the transportation sector.

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The managing director added, “At the time NIPCO entered the market, Nigeria’s domestic LPG consumption was around 50,000 metric tonnes annually,” he stated.

“However, the past 16 to 17 years have been a remarkable journey. Today, the market has grown from 50,000 MT to approximately 1.5 million MT per year.”

Despite the growth, Kumar pointed out that significant potential remains untapped, saying less than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s 200 million population has embraced the use of LPG.

“Our vision is to harness these opportunities and grow the country’s LPG consumption from 1.5 million MT to levels more appropriate for a population of over 200 million people.

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“We must work with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders to end gas flaring in the country. Substantial investments are needed to capture and process flared gas to increase domestic supply beyond the current 1.5 million MT to at least 5 million MT annually,” he stressed.

The NIPCO boss acknowledged that demand for LPG in Nigeria has been relatively stagnant due to the high cost of the product.

“The current high prices have limited consumption growth, but this situation is only temporary. With more players entering the gas processing sector, we anticipate a market correction soon,” he stated, believing that the market would stabilise in the long run.

He urged the Federal Government to support local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, to boost domestic gas production.

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“It is crucial for the government to back these refineries in their efforts to significantly increase LPG output. This will drive down retail prices and make the product more accessible to Nigerians,” he posited.

Credit: PUNCH

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Trump Replies Episcopal Bishop’s Call for Mercy on LGBTQ+ Community and Migrant Workers

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

During the inaugural prayer service, Right Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, delivered a poignant message urging President Donald Trump to extend mercy to the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.

Her powerful appeal was made in front of a congregation gathered for the historic event, calling on the president to embrace compassion and understanding toward marginalized groups.

Following the service, President Trump was asked about the sermon and the bishop’s remarks.

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In a brief interaction with the press, the president remarked that he did not believe the service had been “a good service,” without further elaborating on his stance.

Bishop Budde’s remarks have sparked a range of reactions, with advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities expressing hope that her call would resonate with the president, while others have criticized the president’s response.

The appeal for mercy and inclusion comes as the new administration begins its term, and its stance on issues of social justice and human rights remains closely watched.

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Inflation, Rising Costs Behind 50% Telecom Tariff Increase – Minister

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…FG to invest ₦6bn in fibre optic expansion

 

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By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has attributed the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs to inflation and rising operational costs.

 

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The Minister disclosed this during the 2025 budget defense session held by the joint House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Communication, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the tariff hike, Dr. Tijani stated that the move aligns with broader economic trends where increased tariffs lead to higher consumer prices due to added costs on imported goods.

 

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The Minister also revealed plans by the Federal Government to invest ₦6 billion in the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, increasing Nigeria’s current coverage from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers, and he described this initiative as a critical step towards boosting communication infrastructure and fostering growth in key sectors of the economy.

 

“Tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.

 

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“Outside of South Africa and maybe Egypt or Tunisia, many African countries face a significant deficit in fiber optic cable coverage.

 

“This is going to become a big business. We want Nigerian companies not only to lay cables within Nigeria but also to provide these services for neighboring countries. And we want our people to be the workforce driving this transformation,” he said.

 

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Dr. Tijani who emphasised the importance of communication infrastructure in ensuring security and economic development, highlighted the historical reliance on private investment for telecommunications infrastructure, which has often prioritized profitable urban areas over rural communities.

 

“Private companies only invest where they see potential returns.

“They use tools like night-time satellite data to identify economic activity, represented by lights, and focus their investments in those areas. This has left many underserved regions without proper infrastructure. Addressing this disparity is a priority for us,” he explained.

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The Minister, however, lamented the inadequate funding of the Ministry, which he said hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

 

“The Ministry is underfunded compared to agencies like the NCC. We lack the necessary resources and software to track revenue-generating activities efficiently. With better funding, the Ministry could generate significantly more revenue and enhance its impact,” he said.

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In his remarks, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communication, acknowledged the critical contributions of the communication sector to Nigeria’s economic growth. He called for a review of the Ministry’s 2025 proposed budget to ensure it is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate.

 

Following discussions, the Committee adopted a motion urging the Committees on Appropriation to consider an upward revision of the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

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Kalu Calls On UK Govt to Support Nigeria’s War Against Corruption

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…praised diplomatic ties between the two countries

 

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By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

 

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The Deputy Speaker made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.

 

Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.

 

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He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.

 

Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the  opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

 

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He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

 

“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.

 

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“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.

 

“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat  corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.

 

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Kalu who is the Chairman,  Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.

 

“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.

 

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“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.

 

“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.

 

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