The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has ordered a clampdown on marketers exploiting consumers amidst the recent surge in cooking gas prices. The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) had attributed the price hike to temporary supply disruptions and market exploitation by opportunistic dealers ¹.
*What's Behind the Price Hike?*
According to NALPGAM's National President, Oladapo Olatunbosun, the current scarcity is artificial and caused by ²:
- *Dangote Refinery's maintenance*: Reduced production capacity
- *PENGASSAN strike*: Disrupted vessel discharges and inspections
- *Middlemen exploitation*: Inflating prices to make quick profits
*Consequences for Consumers*
The price hike has seen cooking gas prices skyrocket to between ₦1,700 and ₦3,000 per kilogram, depending on location. NALPGAM advises consumers to buy directly from registered gas plants to avoid inflated prices ³.
*Expected Resolution*
The association assures that normalcy will return within days as supply stabilizes. NALPGAM is working with relevant authorities to ensure steady supply and normal pricing ¹.
*Takeaway*
The Federal Government's clampdown on marketers aims to protect consumers from exploitation. With NALPGAM's efforts to stabilize supply, prices are expected to normalize soon. In the meantime, consumers are advised to purchase cooking gas from authorized dealers to avoid exorbitant prices.
