Soaring Price of Cooking Gas not Sustainable 

The surge in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) — commonly known as cooking gas — from N700 per kilogram in June 2023 to N1,500 per kilogram in October 2024 highlights the urgent need for strategic intervention by the Federal Government. This drastic rise has been fueled by Nigeria’s fluctuating foreign exchange rate, making it difficult for importers to secure the necessary funds. The devaluation of the naira under the current administration has further worsened the situation, pushing the naira from N700 to the dollar in May 2023 to around N1,700 today.

Despite Nigeria’s standing as a leading oil-producing nation, it still relies heavily on imports for its LPG supply. This has created a supply-demand imbalance that continues to drive prices upwards, placing a severe burden on everyday citizens. To address this, the government recently announced a halt on the export of locally produced cooking gas to prioritize domestic supply, effective November 1, 2024. While this is a step in the right direction, more must be done to ensure long-term relief and sustainability.

The failure to build local production facilities capable of meeting domestic demand has left Nigeria overly dependent on imported gas. Shockingly, despite having the 10th largest gas reserves globally, with over 208 trillion cubic feet of proven gas, we still find ourselves in this precarious situation. If we are serious about easing the burden on Nigerian households, there needs to be a concerted effort to ramp up local production and make LPG more affordable and accessible.

CSR REPORTERS notes that there are environmental and health risks to this all. As the price of cooking gas continues to climb, many Nigerians may resort to using “dirty fuels” like firewood, charcoal, and sawdust for cooking, which not only exacerbates environmental degradation but also poses severe health risks. According to the World Health Organization, household air pollution from these fuels claims 3.8 million lives annually, disproportionately affecting women and children. This is not just an economic issue but also a public health and environmental crisis in the making.

Therefore, this is a call for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability virtues to which CSR REPORTERS serves as the guardian. Companies in the energy and oil sectors can step in with their CSR and sustainability programmes. Investing in local LPG production and creating initiatives that promote clean energy usage are essential for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Corporations must lead the charge in reducing dependency on dirty fuels by promoting clean energy solutions, such as subsidized cooking gas for low-income households, and investing in green infrastructure.

The government, in partnership with private-sector players, must push for cleaner energy solutions and support eco-friendly innovations. Providing incentives for local gas producers, investing in greener production methods, and increasing public awareness of the health risks associated with dirty fuels should be part of a broader sustainability strategy.

It is time for Action to  institute energy equity. The Federal Government needs to make deliberate and aggressive moves to boost LPG production and curb reliance on imports. By encouraging more investment in local gas production, providing incentives to energy companies, and ensuring cleaner energy for all, we can protect both the environment and the well-being of millions of Nigerians. If no action is taken, the hike in cooking gas prices will not only push more households to dirty fuels but also widen the economic and environmental divide.

It’s time to act—not just for economic stability but for a healthier, more sustainable future.