According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a 0.28% month-on-month increase in the average price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was recorded as the price in December 2020 increased to N224.37 from N223.74 in November 20201. Similarly, the average price for the refilling of a 5kg cylinder for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) has increased by 0.12% month-on-month to N1949.75 in December 2020 from N1947.47 in the previous month2. The results were similar regarding the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder with a 1.75% month-on-month increase. Contrarily, the average price paid by consumers for premium motor spirit (petrol) decreased month-on-month by -0.94% to N165.70 from N167.27 in the previous month3. Overall, in month of December 2020, gas prices rose most likely as a result of rising crude oil prices in the international market. Low-income households are less likely to be affected given that their consumption of these products is relatively lower than middle- and high-income households. However, the general decline in income due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic makes the increment nonetheless an economic burden.
January 28, 2021