By Fatima Mukhtar
The Federal Government has directed relevant regulatory agencies to clamp down on cooking gas marketers allegedly exploiting consumers through arbitrary price hikes and hoarding.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the directive following the recent surge in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across the country. He said the government would no longer tolerate actions that worsen the hardship faced by Nigerians.
According to Punch, Ekpo said his ministry had received reports of retailers and middlemen deliberately creating artificial scarcity and inflating prices, despite adequate supply in some depots. He therefore ordered strict surveillance and enforcement to ensure compliance and transparency within the gas distribution chain.
The minister assured consumers that the government was working to stabilise supply and address logistical challenges affecting the domestic market. “We are committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable cooking gas without exploitation from unscrupulous dealers,” he said.
Meanwhile, marketers have attributed the hike in prices to supply shortages and rising operational costs. In some states, the price of cooking gas has climbed to as high as ₦2,000 per kilogram, forcing many households to seek alternative cooking methods.
The federal government has, however, reiterated its determination to protect citizens from unfair market practices and ensure that cooking gas remains within the reach of average Nigerians.
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