The cost of cooking gas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), has drastically increased in Enugu State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
NAN investigation shows that in many areas of the state capital, the increase varies according to the point of buying the product.
In Trans-Ekulu area of the state, several retail outlets sell a kilogram of gas at between N1,400 and N1,450 as against the former price of N1,100 and N1,200 sold in April.
However, a mini gas depot in the same area sells the product at a rate of N1,350 per kilo.
On why the change in the price of the product, an official of the depot told NAN on the condition of anonymity, that the price of gas was not stable.
“This price schedule can change any time. You may come here tomorrow and discover that the price has gone up or come down; it all depends on the suppliers,” the official said.
Another gas depot at New Haven area, Best Top Gas Depot sells at N1,400 a kilogramme while at Independence Layout, Achara Layout and Uwani it is sold at between N1,450 and N1,500.
NAN also visited another retail outlet at Nowas area still within the metropolis where a kilogram of gas goes for N1,500 while at Abakpa, a kilogramme also sells a at N1,550.
A gas attendant, Mr Livinus Uguru, explained that the price was not constant as it could change anytime.
“Even today, this price can change, again it depends on where you buy your product.
If you buy from a depot that is far from your shop, you have to add transportation and every other cost, probably that is the reason for difference in prices,” he said.
Some buyers told NAN that they would resort to firewood as the cost of kerosene was also expensive.
A resident, Mrs Chinelo Onyema said that she used firewood to cook foods like beans, okpa, meat and moimoi and used gas for rice and breakfast.
According to her, I spend N18,000 to fill my 12kg cylinder as against N12,500 I spent early in the year.
Another resident, Mrs Sylvia Chukwu, said she no longer refilled her gas cylinder but used the money to get a charcoal stove.
“Charcoal stove is cheaper and also clean. I have a big family and I cannot cope with the high cost of cooking gas,” she said