Nigerians are facing further economic strain as the cost of refilling cooking gas cylinders continues to escalate.
Recent investigations reveal that in Lagos, the price to refill a 12.5 kg cylinder has surged to N15,600, up from N14,500 in mid-July. Refilling a 6 kg cylinder now costs N7,800, while a 1 kg cylinder is priced at N1,300.
In June, the cost for a 12.5 kg cylinder was N13,200, a 6 kg cylinder was N6,600, and a 1 kg cylinder was N1,100. The situation worsened in July, with the current prices marking a substantial increase from those in May, when the cost for a 12.5 kg cylinder was N12,000, a 6 kg cylinder N6,600, and a 1 kg cylinder N1,100.
Gas vendors are voicing their concerns over the soaring prices, attributing the rise to the persistent depreciation of the naira.
Kehinde Afolabi, a gas vendor, told New Telegraph that the weakening naira is driving up the cost of imported gas, which in turn is being passed on to consumers.
He said the increase in gas prices has led to a significant drop in customer numbers.
Experts say the rising costs are putting additional pressure on household budgets and local businesses.
