Residents of Kwara State have decried the sharp increase in the price of cooking gas, with the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas rising to as much as N2,200 per kilogramme in some parts of the state, worsening the hardship faced by households and small businesses.

A survey conducted by Arewa PUNCH across Ilorin and other communities in the state revealed that many residents are struggling to cope with the latest hike, forcing some families to cut consumption and consider reverting to charcoal and firewood despite concerns over health and environmental implications.

A resident of the Sobi area of Ilorin, Abdulganiyu Obanguru, described the increase as a painful reminder of the country's worsening economic situation.

"The last time I bought gas, it was about N1,150 per kilogramme. To my surprise, I got to the gas station and discovered that it had risen to N1,750 per kilogramme," he said.

"My target was to buy 8kg, but I ended up buying 6kg instead. Everything is going up at a speed nobody seems able to control. You plan your budget in the morning and by afternoon it is already outdated."

According to him, many Nigerians have been forced to abandon long-term plans and focus solely on daily survival.

"Nigeria is gradually becoming a place where survival takes priority over living. Comfort is no longer a goal; just getting by is," he added.

Another resident, Aishat, from the Alagbado area of Ilorin, said the latest increase had become unbearable for low-income earners.

"Before Salah, cooking gas was selling for about N1,300 per kilogramme. Just a few days later, I was told it had risen to N2,000 per kilogramme.

"How are we supposed to cope? Most people could not afford it when it was cheaper, let alone now that the price has increased again," she lamented.

She appealed to the government to intervene and address the rising cost of living.

Similarly, a resident of Shitta Alimi, Rafat Kolawole, said many households were finding it increasingly difficult to afford cooking gas.

"A few days ago, I gave my children money to refill our cylinder and they came back telling me the price had increased to N2,000 per kilogramme.

"What exactly is happening in this country? I am used to cooking with gas and I do not even own a charcoal stove. The government should please intervene because we are tired already," she said.

A housewife, Ruqoyat Ayelabowo, who visited Ilorin during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said the rapid increase in prices had left many families stranded.

"On the eve of Salah, we bought cooking gas at N1,600 per kilogramme. The following day, my neighbour bought hers at N1,800. When we returned a few days later to refill our cylinder, we were charged N2,200 per kilogramme.

"They are increasing prices anyhow. Government should swing into action because people can no longer afford gas, charcoal or even firewood conveniently," she said.

Findings by Arewa PUNCH showed that the development is not limited to Ilorin, as residents across several towns in Kwara State reported paying between N1,900 and N2,200 per kilogramme depending on location and retail outlet.

In Offa Local Government Area, some retailers were reportedly selling LPG for as much as N2,300 per kilogramme.