Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to address the surge in cooking gas prices across the country. Expressing concern over the economic strain faced by Nigerians, particularly in accessing essential commodities like cooking gas, Oyintiloye emphasized the need for urgent intervention.
Speaking in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Oyintiloye highlighted the steep rise in the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of gas, which now ranges between N17,500 and N18,000 in many parts of the country. He referenced the Federal Government’s directive to halt the exportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in February, acknowledging the lack of significant impact on local prices despite the measure.
Asserting President Tinubu’s receptiveness to public concerns, Oyintiloye urged swift action to alleviate the burden on Nigerians, exacerbated by challenges such as fuel subsidy removal and unstable electricity supply. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address issues within the oil and gas industry.
Oyintiloye suggested that the escalating prices might be attributed to clandestine exportation of LPG by producers, underscoring the detrimental effects of resorting to solid fuels like charcoal and firewood on both the environment and public health. He warned against the potential consequences, including deforestation, desertification, and respiratory ailments, urging a shift towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate these risks.
Commending President Tinubu for his efforts in stabilizing the naira against the dollar, Oyintiloye encouraged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed optimism that with patience, endurance, prayers, and collective support, the nation would overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger.