Cooking gas scarcity has made refilling a cylinder very expensive. Many families are worried because prices keep changing, and no one knows when the market will stabilize. But the truth is, there are smart ways to manage your money, buy gas wisely, and use it effectively until the scarcity ends.
This article explains easy tips to reduce your gas cost during this period.
1. Buy Gas in the Morning or Early Week
Most gas stations adjust prices during the day, especially in the evenings. Buying gas early in the morning or at the start of the week can help you avoid sudden price increases.
2. Refill at Trusted Gas Plants
During scarcity, some sellers cheat customers by giving less gas for the same money. Always refill at a registered and trusted plant where gas is properly measured on a weighing scale.
3. Compare Prices Before Buying
Don’t rush to refill at the first station you see. Take a little time to check 2–3 plants in your area. Sometimes, the difference can be ₦200–₦500 per kg, which saves you money.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Refilling
If you wait until your cylinder is completely empty, you may be forced to buy at any price, even when it is high. Always refill early when your cylinder is about 20–30% remaining.
5. Use the Right Cylinder Size
Smaller cylinders like 3kg and 6kg get refilled more often and may feel costly in the long run. If possible, invest in a 12.5kg cylinder or bigger so you refill less often and enjoy better value.
6. Store Backup Gas
If you can afford it, buy an extra cylinder and refill it while prices are still manageable. This way, you won’t rush to buy when scarcity pushes prices higher.
7. Watch Market Trends
Cooking gas prices are not stable. Sometimes, they go up because of supply issues and later drop when new supply enters the market. If prices are very high today, and you can still manage your gas at home, wait a few days before refilling.
8. Manage Gas Usage at Home
While waiting for prices to reduce, you can still use your gas carefully:
1. Warm food with small flames instead of high heat.
2. Use electric cookers, hotplate, or charcoal stoves for simple meals.
3. Avoid wasting gas by keeping burners clean and switching off immediately after cooking.
Cooking gas scarcity may continue for some time, but you don’t have to spend all your money on refills. By buying wisely, refilling at the right places, and managing usage at home, you can reduce your gas cost until the market stabilizes.