Cooking Gas Crisis: Middlemen Exploit Shortage, Inflating Prices in Nigeria

A recent report has identified middlemen as the main culprits behind the cooking gas crisis in Nigeria, with activities such as hoarding and price inflation contributing to the shortage and price surges. Investigations uncovered a cartel manipulating prices by purchasing gas at lower rates from plants and reselling at significantly higher prices.

The exploitation within the supply chain has led to retail prices soaring by up to 80%. The President of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retail Association (LPGAR) has denied the allegations, emphasizing that the market is deregulated, causing price fluctuations.

The government is urged to ensure consistent gas supply to prevent future shortages and stabilize prices for consumers.