The Federal Government has taken decisive action to address the persistent surge in cooking gas prices by banning its exportation. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the measure during an internal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, emphasizing the need to boost the availability of cooking gas in the domestic market.

Ekpo stated that halting the exportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will lead to a reduction in its price within the country. By ensuring that all LPG produced domestically remains for domestic use, the government aims to increase supply, subsequently driving down prices.

The minister underscored ongoing engagements with regulatory bodies and major producers such as Mobil, Chevron, and Shell to enforce this policy effectively. He expressed optimism that these efforts, coupled with stakeholder collaboration, would yield positive outcomes.

Addressing the escalating costs, Ekpo highlighted recent findings indicating a significant rise in prices, with a kilogram of cooking gas priced at N1,400 and refilling a 12.5kg cylinder ranging from N17,500 to N18,000 in various states, up from N9,000 late last year.

The decision to curb cooking gas exportation reflects the government’s commitment to stabilizing prices and ensuring affordability for consumers. By prioritizing domestic needs, the government aims to mitigate price fluctuations and enhance accessibility to this essential household commodity.

With ongoing dialogue and proactive measures, the government seeks to identify and address underlying challenges, ultimately fostering a sustainable and equitable cooking gas market.