Reports indicate that since the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the price of cooking gas has risen significantly, with a kilogram previously sold for between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200 now selling for over ₦1,800 in many parts of the country.
Residents of Port Harcourt are raising alarm over the continuous increase in the price of cooking gas, describing the situation as a growing burden on households and small businesses already struggling with the harsh economic climate.
The residents say the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has continued to rise despite recent developments in the global oil market. In some parts of the city, consumers say gas now sells for as high as ₦2,000 per kilogram.
Many of those who spoke with our correspondent called on the federal government to urgently address the situation through improved management of the nation’s oil and gas resources, as well as the revitalisation of Nigeria’s refineries and energy infrastructure.
One resident expressed frustration over the persistent increase, insisting that Nigeria has enough natural resources to make cooking gas affordable for citizens.
“The gas is very costly. I bought 1kg for ₦1,700. We have our resources; we have everything it takes to even sell gas for ₦500. So it is not about other countries. The government has not gotten it right. What we need in Nigeria is good leadership,” the resident said.
Another resident noted that the price changes almost daily, making it difficult for families to plan their expenses.
“What we buy today is not what we buy tomorrow. Right now, gas is ₦1,900 per kilogram, which is very bad. Gas is very important because it is something we use every day. The government should look into it. Our leaders should think well and make changes because they are part of the problem,” the resident stated.
A third resident also decried the high cost of living, saying ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt of poor economic policies.
“In my area, gas is ₦2,000 per kilogram. Things are so difficult in this country and our leaders are not helping matters. They are more concerned about themselves than the masses. Since we have oil, we should be producing enough for ourselves. Government should help bring down the price of gas,” the resident said.
Speaking on the issue, energy analyst Dr. Chinedu Okafor explained that several factors are responsible for the increase in cooking gas prices, including exchange rate fluctuations, high transportation costs, and inadequate local refining capacity.
“Nigeria is richly blessed with gas resources, but the challenge lies in processing, distribution, and policy implementation. Until the country strengthens local production and reduces dependence on imports, Nigerians may continue to experience unstable prices,” he explained.
Dr. Okafor urged government authorities to invest more in domestic gas infrastructure and create policies that would encourage stable pricing and protect consumers from excessive market fluctuations.
Residents say urgent intervention is needed to ease the hardship on citizens, warning that the rising cost of cooking gas could force many households back to unhealthy alternatives such as firewood and charcoal.
