Awka Residents Worry About Rising Cooking Gas Prices, Call for Government Action

Some people in Awka, Anambra State, are worried about the sharp rise in cooking gas prices. They are asking the government to step in quickly.

The residents shared their thoughts in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday. They talked about the price changes in cooking gas over the past six months.

Raphael Okafor, the owner of Ricolen Enterprise Nigeria, a cooking gas shop in Awka, said he has worked in this business for over 30 years. He mentioned that the price changes this year have been unusual.

“At the beginning of this year, one kg of cooking gas was sold for ₦1,050. Then it went to ₦1,150, then to ₦1,200, and finally to ₦1,500. Right now, the price is between ₦1,800 and ₦2,000 depending on where you are,” he said.

Mr Okafor noted that the price increase is hurting his business. Some customers are now switching to firewood and charcoal for cooking.

He emphasized that the government needs to look into why the prices are so unstable. This product is very important for many families in both cities and rural areas.

“Government should come together to find a long-term solution to this cooking gas issue. Whether it's a shortage due to low production or problems from distributors and sellers, steps should be taken to stabilize the prices,” he said.

Mr Okafor also pointed out that paying between ₦1,800 and ₦2,000 for one kg of cooking gas affects the economy greatly.

He added that using firewood and charcoal also has negative effects on the environment.

He believes that the government should investigate the reasons for the price hikes, starting from production to distribution and retailing. This could help lower costs for everyday users.

Chindimma Okoye, a civil servant, shared her experience with the price increases. She said it makes life harder for families, especially those who earn a salary.

“For my family of six, we use a 12.5 kg cylinder for about two months and spend around ₦25,000 on cooking gas. This, along with other bills, is a heavy burden,” she explained.

Another civil servant, Uju Igbelina, mentioned that the cost of cooking gas in Nise, close to Awka, has risen to ₦2,100 per kg because the area is semi-urban.

Mrs Igbelina urged the government to address the issue, as many families are affected negatively.

Ukamaka Ufelle, who also works in Awka, said she bought a 12.5 kg cylinder for ₦25,000, up from ₦17,500 in April. She believes this price hike is making it harder for people to afford food.

She called on the government to take action and find a solution to the problem.

Chinedu Uwguoke, a businessman, said the rising costs of cooking gas and food are becoming too high for most Nigerians.

Mr Uwguoke asked the government to introduce measures to ease the burden of rising prices for cooking gas, diesel, and other fuel products. This could help lower the cost of living.

Amara Onuora, a petty trader in Awka, also expressed her frustration with the rising cooking gas prices. She has now switched to using a charcoal stove.

Mrs Onuora said that before, she used a kerosene stove. But due to its scarcity and rising prices, she moved to cooking gas, which is now too expensive for her.

“With the increase in cooking gas prices, people are facing serious challenges to feed themselves. As a mother, I have decided to use a charcoal stove until things improve,” she said.