Residents in Abuja and across the Federal Capital Territory are feeling the heat as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, sees sharp price hikes following the recent PENGASSAN strike. Prices for 1kg cylinders skyrocketed from around ₦1,100 to as much as ₦1,800 in many outlets, straining household budgets.
Businesswoman Mrs. Tina Okojie shared her struggles, recounting how refilling her 12.5kg cylinder surged to ₦18,125 from ₦15,000, forcing her to visit multiple stations to find stock. Security man Mr. Nura Idris and tailor Mrs. Bose Ajibade echoed similar hardships, with many forced to ration or switch to alternatives like charcoal amid this crisis.
Some, like public servant Mrs. Ese Okoro, managed to find more reasonably priced gas at major marketers, but queues and scarcity are still major challenges. Authorities, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, trace the root of price hikes to refinery strikes and maintenance at critical facilities.
Dr. Ekpo assured the public that refinery operations have resumed, LPG is gradually reaching markets again, and urged all stakeholders to avoid hoarding and speculative practices to restore affordability quickly.
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