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CHALLENGES OF LPG USAGE IN NIGERIA |
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Oando Marketing Plc, one of the leading oil marketers in the country has reiterated its commitment towards providing products and services that have positive impact on the environment. This was stated on June 5, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Environment Day. In the past few years, most of the oil marketers in the country such as Oando Marketing Plc and Total Nigeria Plc have been organizing series of awareness campaigns to sensitize youths and women about the harmful effects of the use of kerosene, firewoods and coal with the aim of encouraging a shift from these traditional means of cooking to the adoption of LPG as fuel for cooking. Despite the campaigns, recent statistics shows that Nigeria consumes about 350,000 tonnes of LPG per annum. This figure is far below the expected quantity that a country with a population of about 160 million should consume per annum. Hence, in order to improve the use of LPG in the country, it is important to consider some of the major challenges hindering its adoption. Firstly, the lack of appropriate logistics and effective policies by the federal government constitutes a major threat to the improvement in the usage of LPG in the country. There are limited infrastructures to aid in the supply of the product. This is worsened by the unavailability of LPG terminals in most parts of the country as majority of the terminals are located in Lagos with a few in Port Harcourt. In addition, the safety of LPG cylinders has become a major source of concern for most individuals. There have been reports of bursting of LPG cylinders resulting in massive destruction of lives and properties. This problem is escalated by the increasing number of substandard cylinders flooding the market daily. Furthermore, the unavailability of a cylinder producing company in the country coupled with the high tariffs paid on imported cylinders and accessories has made it difficult for people to switch over to LPG. In order for the federal government to achieve its proposed plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in 2020, it needs to develop effective policies to encourage Nigerians to shift from the use of kerosene, firewoods and coal to LPG. There is the need to provide more infrastructures and construct more terminals to make the product more accessible to the people. Also, Nigeria LP Gas Association (NLPGA) and its stakeholders should partner with Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to eradicate substandard cylinders and accessories so as to ensure the safety of LPG usage. REFERENCES http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/05/worldenvironmentdayoandoadvocateslpgadoption/html http://sweetcrudereports.com/2016/01/05/time-for-lpg-policy-in-nigeria/html http://sweetcrudereports.com/2016/01/13/nigeriahaspotentialtoconsume5mtonnesoflpgyearlynlpga/html PHOTO CREDITS http://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/LPG-.jpg/html http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/business/concerns-over-modalities-of-free-gas-cylinders-distribution-by-fg/123172.html |
 
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6 Comments
Oseluese, thanks for sharing such news. Nigeria is undergoing huge change energy transition is very costly and takes a lot of time as well. However, we have to continuously persuade the citizens and the government that green energy like LPG is much more efficient in the long term. Thanks for reporting and have a great day!
Posted 15-06-2016 17:47
Aside from the negative effects of LPG on the environment, we should not also forget its negative effects on human health. Thank you very much for a very informative and relevant report, Oseluese!
Posted 14-06-2016 23:26
Transition from coal is something I'm actively fighting for. The issue is that most people do not see the effects of using firewood & charcoal. There are several health effects and ecological problems associated with the use of firewood - asthma & bronchitis. Government must develop a framework to help guide the rightful usage of LPG. Thanks for this report.
Posted 13-06-2016 18:03
I just realized that the population of Nigeria is that big! At first i thought that's a typo or something and I googled and the figure is about right! (Actually a bit more than you stated). It would be of much benefit to the quality of air in the major cities as well as contribution to improved environment, if the transition from coal ends successfully. Thank you for writing!
Posted 13-06-2016 12:12
You are right, there can be smooth and quick transition from coal & oil to natural gas only if necessary infrastructure (facilities, prompt & regular service, convenience, safety and affordability all put together) is in place. Hope government looks into it and addresses the challenges. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 12-06-2016 18:24
The issue of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) overuse is definitely something countries should look upon. Sadly, the number of fire-related incidents are more than frequent especially in Asia but the initiatives you mentioned can help solve the issue. Thank you for the innovative report!
Posted 12-06-2016 10:45