By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

Weeks after the Federal Government promised to address the rising cost of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG), known as cooking gas, the commodity has remained expensive across Abuja.

A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, revealed that cooking gas still sells for as high as N1,800 per kg, especially by the roadside retailers.

NAN reports that the price of cooking gas skyrocketed from N1,100 per 1kg to as high as N1,800 per kg in various outlets following the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Following the recent price hike, the Federal Government mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify LPG depots monitoring to prevent product hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the recent price surge was primarily caused by two factors which involved the industrial action by PENGASSAN at the Dangote Refinery.

Ekpo added that the other factor was the ongoing maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG train four facility, which reduced the volume of LPG available in the domestic market.

He, however, assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery had resumed, with loading of LPG to the domestic market already ongoing.

The minister also said the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy had commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG was gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance neared completion.

A retailer, Mr Kingsley Paul, told NAN that he could not sell below his purchase cost.

?I still have old stock. When the price we buy comes down, we will also sell at a reduced rate.

?Since the Dangote Refinery has resumed supply, I believe the price will drop when we get new deliveries,? he said.

At one of the major outlets visited, cooking gas was sold at N1,450 per kg.

The manager who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they were still selling old stock and expressed hope that the price would reduce once they receive new supplies.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to urge the government to find a lasting solution to the rising cost of LPG, as many households rely on it for daily cooking.

Mr Christian Chibuzor, an environmentalist, said it was a good thing the government was trying to promote the use of cooking gas. However, they needed to make it affordable for all Nigerians to purchase.

?Using cooking gas will help lower carbon emissions compared to traditional firewood, charcoal, or kerosene, which will help mitigate climate change and improve air quality, thereby, reducing respiratory diseases.

?However, if the price remains high, the transition to cooking gas will be difficult to achieve, especially in rural areas. Therefore, the government must demonstrate commitment to reducing the price,? he said. (NAN)

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