By Amaechi Okonkwo, Port Harcourt.
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has denied any involvement in the shortfall and consequent rise in the price of Liquefied Petroluem Gas LPG or cooking gas dismissing as grossly inaccurate a recent report that NLNG produces 22 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of Liquified Petroluem Gas.
A statement issued Monday, by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Eyono Fatayi-Williams explained that NLNG is primarily an export company that produces 22 MTPA of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and 5 MTPA of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs).
The company said it was erroneous, to say the least, that NLNG contributes to the supply shortfall of cooking gas in Nigeria and consequent price hike. The price of LPG in the domestic market is dependent on several market factors, including the forces of demand and supply.
The reads in part; “On the supply side, NLNG plays a pivotal role in the Nigerian domestic LPG market in line with the commitment it made to help deepen the market. Recently, the Company increased the volume of its annual commitment to the market from 350,000 to 450,000 metric tons, which is about 100% of its Butane production. Butane gas is less volatile and is, therefore, suitable for cooking. In 2020 alone, NLNG supplied over 80% of its LPG sales (Butane/cooking gas) to the Nigerian market.
“By committing 100% of its Butane production, NLNG has prioritized the domestic market, thus realizing its domestic supply target safely.
“NLNG’s current maximum Butane production meets about 40% of domestic demand. The balance is supplied by other domestic producers or via imports. Therefore, NLNG’s production alone is not sufficient.
“In order to achieve its aspiration for the domestic supply, a dedicated 13,000 metric ton vessel, LPG Alfred Temile, delivers the product to the market through Lagos and Port Harcourt terminals. The vessel’s delivery to these terminals is occasionally hampered by challenges at the terminal, including storage capacity, terminal access, draft restrictions and prioritization of other products over LPG.
“NLNG’s domestic LPG pricing is most competitive compared to all other alternatives (imported and domestic supply). However, it is important to note that several factors such as VAT, Forex, etc., impact the pricing of the product which is indexed to the international pricing model.
“NLNG’s drive towards deepening the domestic LPG market is pivotal in line with NLNG’s vision of helping to build a better Nigeria. The Company is optimistic that the eventual completion of its Train 7 Project will further will provide deepening the domestic LPG market.