AGS NEWS – The Federal Government is committed to reducing the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, according to Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas).

Ekpo made this statement on Monday during the Decade of Gas Initiative event in Lagos, where gas cylinders were distributed to about 300 women.

The price of cooking gas has recently increased, with a 12kg cylinder now costing between N16,000 and N17,000, up from N12,000 just weeks ago.

Ekpo acknowledged the price hike and announced plans to meet with regulators and gas producers to address the issue and lower the cost, emphasizing the importance of affordable and accessible energy for Nigerians.

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Ekpo also highlighted that the cylinder distribution is part of the government’s initiative to provide clean cooking solutions to 1 million households by 2030, approved by President Bola Tinubu to promote public health.

He encouraged women to transition from using firewood, kerosene, and charcoal to LPG, which is cleaner and safer.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged beneficiaries to use the cylinders wisely and avoid cooking with firewood, which contributes to deforestation and health risks.

Akume also assured that the Federal Government’s efforts to end gas flaring would eventually lead to a decrease in LPG prices.

The Coordinator of the Decade of Gas secretariat, Mr. Ed Ebong, announced that 250,000 cylinders would be distributed annually until 2030, with the initiative set to expand to Akwa Ibom next.