Households across Port Harcourt are feeling the heat, and not just from their stoves. Residents are raising alarms over a sharp and persistent rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, which has now surged to between ₦1,800 and ₦2,000 per kilogram.
This price hike represents a significant burden for families already struggling with rising inflation and the overall cost of living. Many residents are now being forced to ration their usage or revert to traditional, less efficient, and sometimes hazardous cooking methods.
What is Driving the Increase?
Market observers and industry insiders point to a critical supply shortage as the primary culprit. Key factors influencing the current market volatility include:
Logistical Challenges: Disruptions in the distribution chain, compounded by rising transportation costs, have made it increasingly difficult to move product from supply depots to local retail outlets.
Currency Fluctuations: The high cost of importing gas and maintenance components for processing infrastructure continues to exert pressure on retail prices.
Depot-Level Scarcity: Reports from major refilling plants indicate that supply allocations from terminal operators have been inconsistent, leading to a "panic" market where retailers pass on increased costs to the final consumer.
Residents Speak Out
"It is becoming unsustainable," says a resident in the Diobu area. "Last month, I could manage with a ₦10,000 refill for weeks. Now, that same amount barely lasts a fraction of the time. We are appealing to the government to look into the supply chain and ensure that the product is available and affordable for the common man."
Looking Ahead
While there has been no immediate announcement of a government intervention, energy analysts advise residents to be cautious when purchasing from unregistered roadside vendors, as price desperation can sometimes lead to the sale of adulterated products, which pose severe safety risks.
We want to hear from you: How is the recent hike in cooking gas prices affecting your household budget? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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