In response to the escalating cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to mitigate the situation.
During the distribution of gas cylinders to approximately 300 women in Lagos State under the Decade of Gas Initiative, the minister reiterated the government’s resolve to address the challenge.
NewsNow reports that the price of a kilogram of cooking gas, which had previously decreased to around N1,000 during June and July, has now surged to N1,300 in certain areas.
It has been observed that refilling a 12kg cylinder now costs between N16,000 and N17,000, as opposed to N12,000 a few weeks ago.
Expressing concern over the price hike, Ekpo announced plans to convene a meeting with regulators and gas producers to explore strategies for price reduction.
Upon learning of the latest increase in cooking gas prices, Ekpo declared, “I will engage with the relevant authorities and producers to discuss this matter. Our goal is to make the product more affordable.”
Highlighting the importance of energy security in terms of affordability and availability, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to reducing prices, whatever the underlying reasons for the surge may be.
Ekpo also underscored that the distribution of cylinders aligns with the government’s ambition to provide clean cooking access to one million households by 2030.
Attributing President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the initiative to his concern for the well-being of citizens, Ekpo urged women to transition from traditional cooking fuels like firewood, kerosene, and charcoal to LPG due to its cleanliness, safety, and environmental benefits.
While cautioning against reselling the cylinders, Ekpo assured the women of access to gas at more affordable rates in the future.
“Be patient, cooperate with the government, and a brighter future awaits,” Ekpo emphasized.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, advised the beneficiaries to utilize the cylinders effectively and abandon the use of firewood for cooking.
Representing Akume, Professor Babatunde Bolaji highlighted the environmental and health implications of using firewood, including deforestation and health risks like miscarriages due to smoke inhalation.
Assuring a drop in cooking gas prices, Akume attributed the forthcoming reduction to the government’s efforts in ending gas flaring, which would result in increased gas availability.
Coordinator of the Decade of Gas secretariat, Mr. Ed Ebong, revealed plans to distribute 250,000 cylinders annually until 2030.
He indicated that the launch event in Lagos marked the commencement of the LPG penetration program in the South-West, with Akwa-Ibom next on the agenda for Tuesday.