Retailers and consumers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas have expressed discomfort over the fluctuating price of the essential commodity.
Those who spoke with The Eagle in Lagos and Ogun states, stated that the current state of things was making their business and domestic projections difficult.
These concerns are coming amidst reiterations by the President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Edu Inyang, that sustained engagements among industry stakeholders, regulators and government agencies aimed at improving supply and stabilising the domestic LPG market yielding fruits.
According to him, there has been a 31.8 per cent drop in the price of the item from a peak of about N2,200 per kilogramme to N1,500/kg.
In the Olambe area of Ogun State for example, the price has come down from its high of N2, 200, to between N2,000 and N1,800 depending on location.
However, investigation by our correspondents showed retailers and consumers still experience hitches attempting to access the gas.
Some cooking gas retailers in Aboru, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State told our correspondent that instability in the unstable market has reduced customer patronage, forcing them to absorb losses on existing stock.
They complained that it was also making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain the businesses.
The retailers, on the other hand, said that although the price of cooking gas dropped slightly recently, the reduction has brought little relief as consumers continue to buy smaller quantities.
Mrs. J. Olayinka, a cooking gas retailer, said the business remained under pressure despite the slight reduction in price.
“It has come down, but it is still affecting us,” she said, adding that many customers are still unable to buy the quantity of gas they previously purchased.
Another retailer, Mr. Moses Obafemi, said the persistent fluctuation in cooking gas prices has weakened customers’ purchasing power and reduced patronage.
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“When it was like ₦1,200, people could buy 2kg. But now you can only buy ½kg,” he said, noting that the constant changes in prices have continued to affect sales.
A housewife, Mrs Uloma John told our correspondent that the challenge has been enormous on house wives.
“Most of us get food allowances based on budgets, but instability in the prices of cooking gas usually affect the budget.
“The retailers sell different prices, and usually it is on the high side, and we, housewives feel the impact more”.
She said slight relief. however comes if one is able to get to gas plants.
“When most retailers were selling at N2 000, the gas plant price was about N1,800; that is the only place where housewives experience some relief.
“But the problem is distance in locating them” she state.
Sharing his perspective, Mr. Ogunniyin Adeola said the situation also have negative impact on their business.
“The business is not moving like before. The price of gas keeps going up and down. Customers are no longer buying like they used to. Someone buying 10kg before is now buying 3kg because of the price,” he said.
Mr Ogunniyin further explained that retailers suffer financial losses whenever prices change unexpectedly. “The last time the price came down, I still had the initial goods with me, but I had to put it down. When it increases, I will have to add my own money to it. So it hasn’t been easy,” he said.
The retailers said the continuous fluctuation in cooking gas prices has affected not only their daily sales but also the sustainability of their businesses. They expressed concern that unless the market becomes more stable, many small-scale retailers may continue to struggle with declining patronage and shrinking returns.
They appealed for greater stability in cooking gas prices, expressing hope that a more predictable market would ease the burden on retailers, restore customer confidence, and enable small businesses to remain sustainable.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
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