By Olamilekan Abayomi
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has attributed the recent surge in cooking gas prices to the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). According to Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, the strike caused disruptions in the supply chain, leading to a shortage and subsequent price hike. The price of cooking gas has soared to as high as N2,200 per kilogram, sparking concerns among households already struggling with soaring energy costs.
In Lagos, the price of a 12.5kg cylinder climbed to N26,000 at Amuwo Odofin and N27,000 at Iyana Ipaja, representing over a 48% increase from the previous average of N17,500. Similarly, in Abuja, consumers paid around N20,000 for the same quantity, equivalent to N1,600 per kg. Ojulari explained that the temporary halt in petroleum loading and distribution during the strike caused a ripple effect across the LPG supply chain, leading to an artificial price increase.
The PENGASSAN strike was suspended on October 1 after federal government intervention, following the Dangote Refinery’s decision to redeploy affected workers. Ojulari assured Nigerians that prices would ease once normal supply flows are restored, noting that some retailers and marketers exploited the situation by raising prices. The episode underscores Nigeria’s fragile energy distribution system, where minor disruptions often trigger steep price fluctuations.
The NNPC is working to resolve the situation and restore normalcy to the LPG supply chain. However, consumers are still facing significant challenges, with some reporting prices as high as N3,200 per kilogram. In Lagos, prices range from N26,000 to N27,000 for a 12.5kg cylinder, while in Abuja, consumers pay around N20,000 for the same quantity.
