Following the hike in the price of cooking gas in the last month, retailers and consumers of liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have condemned the steady increase of cooking gas in an interview granted to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
In the interview held on Thursday, they complained about the increased cost of the gas also citing other challenges they face in getting the gas like high exchange rates and also limited foreign exchange.
A 12.5 kg worth of gas which was going for the price of 8400 Naira has now increased to 9,500 Naira in Lagos and 10,000 Naira in other parts of the nation.
Some of the Consumers have also complained about how they had to use alternatives like charcoal stoves and firewood to cook and also how the price hike was affecting their business.
Mr. Michael Umudu, National Chairman, of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers, said that the increase was indeed worrisome as the retailers are unable to stock up their shops because they might not get their return on investment.
“What we are witnessing now is that demand for LPG is reducing drastically because people can no longer afford the product and are resorting to firewood and kerosene stoves which have health implications,” Umudu said.
Both Consumers and retailers have begged the government to intervene in the situation and bring up policies that would foster the production of LPG and reduce the hike in prices.