FG to Address Rising Cooking Gas Prices as It Distributes Cylinders in Lagos 

At The Event

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working hard to reduce the increasing cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas. 

Gas Prices Surge 

Speaking during an event in Lagos where gas cylinders were given to 300 women, the minister acknowledged the steep rise in cooking gas prices. LPG, which cost about N1,000 per kilogram in June and July, now sells for N1,300 in some areas. A 12kg cylinder, previously refilled for N12,000, now costs between N16,000 and N17,000. Ekpo promised to meet with regulators and gas producers to find ways to bring down the price of gas and make it more affordable for Nigerians. He emphasized that energy security means both affordability and availability. 

Cylinder Distribution Initiative 

The event in Lagos marked the start of the government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which aims to give one million homes access to clean cooking by 2030. As part of this effort, the Federal Government is distributing gas cylinders to encourage the use of LPG instead of firewood, kerosene, or charcoal. Ekpo stated that President Bola Tinubu approved this initiative to improve the health of Nigerians by promoting cleaner cooking methods. He urged the beneficiaries not to sell their gas cylinders and reassured them that efforts are underway to make gas more affordable. 

The energy security that we are talking about is about affordability and availability. So, we are going to ensure that whatever is the reason behind the hike in price, we will make sure we bring it down.” — Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas). 

Environmental and Health Benefits 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, also called on the women to stop using firewood for cooking, explaining that it causes environmental damage by cutting down trees. Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, further explained that firewood smoke can lead to serious health issues, including miscarriages. The Coordinator of the Decade of Gas secretariat, Ed Ebong, said that the plan is to distribute 250,000 gas cylinders each year until 2030. After the Lagos launch, the team will move to Akwa-Ibom to continue the LPG penetration programme in other parts of the country. 

In conclusion, the Federal Government is committed to addressing the rising cost of cooking gas while promoting cleaner and safer cooking alternatives through the distribution of LPG cylinders. As efforts are made to bring down prices and increase access to clean energy, Nigerians are encouraged to embrace these initiatives for a healthier environment and improved well-being. The ongoing intervention signifies the government’s dedication to making affordable energy accessible to all citizens.