Residents of Bauchi metropolis have expressed concern over the sudden rise in the prices of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, following acute scarcity of the product.
They said the situation had caused hardship, making access to the commodity increasingly difficult and placing financial strain on households.
According to the correspondent, prices have surged by more than 20 per cent within the past five days, forcing long queues at retail outlets while many others ran out of stock.
One kilogramme of cooking gas now sells for ₦1,350, up from ₦1,020, while refilling a 12-kilogramme cylinder costs ₦16,200 compared with the previous ₦12,960.
Aisha Musa, a housewife, said the previous price was more affordable for most households, noting that LPG remained popular due to its relative efficiency and lower cost compared to fuel wood and charcoal.
“When you calculate the cost of charcoal over time, it’s higher than that of gas for the same period of use. For instance, if we buy five kilogrammes of gas and use it for two weeks, it’s much more economical than charcoal,” she said.
Musa urged authorities to adopt proactive measures to stabilise prices and ensure regular supply.
Another resident, Ismail Raji of Yelwa quarters, lamented that the rising cost of cooking gas had forced him to cut down on his household menu.
Similarly, a gas retailer, Yaya Abubakar, confirmed that his outlet had run out of stock, attributing the hike to a decline in supply caused by the ongoing industrial dispute between the Dangote Refinery and workers’ unions.
He, however, expressed optimism that prices would drop once supply improved.
(NAN)