The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR) has denied responsibility for the recent surge in the price of cooking gas across the country, attributing the hike to supply shortages and market distortions.

In a statement on Friday, the association’s National Chairman, Ayobami Olarinoye, said the current price escalation was beyond the control of retailers, who operate only at the final stage of the supply chain.

“Gas retailers neither import LPG nor manage depots. We simply buy from gas plants and sell to end users. Retailers are not responsible for determining prices,” Olarinoye stated.

He explained that many retailers have been forced to source products from distant locations due to scarcity, often at significantly higher costs, which has squeezed their margins and increased consumer prices.

Olarinoye acknowledged that while the Dangote Refinery has maintained relatively stable pricing for its LPG output, its production capacity remains insufficient to meet Nigeria’s annual demand currently estimated at over 2.3 million metric tonnes.

He further noted that reduced operations by LPG off-takers and disruptions caused by industrial actions have worsened supply constraints.

The LPGAR chairman therefore urged the federal government and other key stakeholders to intervene by bridging the pricing gap between locally produced and imported LPG to stabilize the market.

“The government must harmonize prices and strengthen local production to ensure steady supply and affordability. Without decisive action, consumers and retailers will continue to bear the brunt of these fluctuations,” Olarinoye added.