FG to Tackle Increasing Gas Prices as Minister Invites Stakeholders to Crisis Talks

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has announced his intention to summon regulatory agencies and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) producers to address the alarming increase in cooking gas prices across Nigeria.

This move comes amid growing concerns as the cost of filling a 12.5-kg cylinder of LPG has skyrocketed to as much as N16,200, up from around N13,500 just a month ago.

Speaking at the launch of the LPG Grassroots Penetration and Cylinder Distribution Programme for the South-West Zone in Lagos, Ekpo acknowledged the recent price hikes and vowed to take immediate action.

“I just got that information this morning that the price of gas is getting up again. So, what I’m going to do is invite the regulators and the producers and have a meeting with them.

“What we are looking for is to bring down the price of gas so that it will be affordable,” Ekpo stated.

The Minister emphasized the need for affordability and availability in ensuring energy security, underscoring the government’s commitment to making LPG more accessible to Nigerian households.

“In the energy security we are talking about, we are talking about the affordability, availability. So we are going to do that. Whatsoever is the reason behind the hike in price, we will make sure we bring it down,” he added.

The event in Lagos marked the beginning of the government’s ambitious plan to convert 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas by 2030, as part of the extensive Decade of Gas Initiative.

As a first step, the federal government, through the Decade of Gas Secretariat and various partners, distributed 250 fully-filled LPG cylinders to underserved households in Lagos State.

The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to promote domestic gas utilization, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

In his keynote address, Ekpo described the day’s programme as a testament to the current administration’s dedication to enhancing domestic gas utilization.

“This significant event marks a crucial step forward in our journey toward sustainable energy solutions and aligns perfectly with our Presidential theme, ‘From Gas to Prosperity: Renewed Hope.’, where the President reiterated his government’s resolve to continue providing support to deepening domestic gas utilization,” Ekpo noted.

The Minister called for more corporate, private, and public sponsorships to help advance the program beyond its initial goal.

“Our goal is to convert over one million homes across 774 local government areas in Nigeria to utilize LPG for cooking,” Ekpo said.

He highlighted the critical importance of the clean cooking movement in reducing respiratory ailments related to environmental pollutants from cooking with wood, charcoal, and other hazardous fuels.

The event also saw key figures from the energy sector expressing their support for the initiative. Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), hailed the programme as a significant milestone in expanding LPG adoption and improving energy access across Nigeria.

“This initiative not only promotes a greener and more sustainable future for Nigeria but also underscores the importance of equitable access to clean energy,” Komolafe said.

In addition, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by his Special Technical Adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, encouraged Nigerians to embrace LPG as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional cooking fuels like firewood.

Akume noted that LPG generates less heat in the kitchen and produces fewer carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.

As the federal government moves forward with its phased approach to LPG adoption, Ekpo expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the public and private sectors would yield significant benefits for both the people and the environment.

“Let us continue to work together, driven by a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for all,” he concluded.