Filling stations and gas plants belonging to independent and major marketers selling Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, have shut down operations in Kano due to the scarcity of the product.
A market survey by Arewa Radio, an affiliate of Nigeria Info, on Tuesday revealed that major outlets, including A.A. Rano, Ultimate Gas, Aliko Gas, and several independent gas plants, were under lock and key, leaving many residents stranded and unable to refill their cylinders.
The shutdown, according to findings, is linked to disruptions in distribution caused by the recent industrial action embarked upon by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The strike, which lasted several days, brought operations at loading depots to a halt.
Hauwa John, a Kano resident, expressed deep frustration over the scarcity, lamenting that she had visited multiple gas stations without success.
“I have moved around at least four different gas stations since yesterday, but everywhere is closed.”
Another resident of Sharada, Joy Musa, says the scarcity will force her to seek alternative sources of energy, such as kerosene, charcoal, and firewood options, which are costlier, less efficient, and pose health and environmental risks.
Also speaking, Ibrahim Suleiman of Zoo Road fears that “Even if the gas returns, the price will be too high for ordinary people to afford.”
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, confirmed that the scarcity was due to temporary loading disruptions during the PENGASSAN strike.
He described the situation as “artificial,” adding that supply challenges should ease soon now that the strike has been called off.
However, the price of cooking gas remains high despite the end of the strike. A 12.5-kilogram cylinder of LPG now sells for as much as N25,000 in Kano - up from N17,500 just a week earlier.
Further checks show that 1 kilogram of gas currently retails between N1,500 and N2,000, depending on location and retailer.
Experts have warned that unless distribution stabilises soon, prices could rise further due to panic buying and limited supply.
