Holiday Travel and Traditions
As Christmas approaches, Nigerians across the country are making plans to travel back to their hometowns or visit loved ones to celebrate the festive season. Christmas is a cherished time for gathering, sharing, and enjoying traditional meals such as jollof rice, chicken, salad, and moin-moin. However, the rising cost of living and the increasing price of cooking gas are significantly impacting holiday preparations in many states.
Cooking Gas Prices on the Rise
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cost of refilling cooking gas cylinders has seen a sharp increase over the past year. Between October 2023 and October 2024, the price of a 5kg cooking gas cylinder rose by 51.58%, while a 12.5kg cylinder experienced an even larger increase of 58.68%.
These escalating prices have added to the financial strain for families preparing for Christmas, especially in states where the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder is particularly high. Below are the 10 most expensive states in Nigeria to spend Christmas based on cooking gas prices.
1. Rivers State – N17,895.00
Rivers State tops the list as the most expensive state for holiday cooking. Residents pay an average of N17,895.00 to refill a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder, adding a significant burden to Christmas preparations.
2. Osun State – N17,739.06
In Osun State, the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder is N17,739.06, making it the second most expensive state for holiday cooking. These high costs are impacting families who rely on gas for preparing traditional Christmas meals.
3. Benue State – N17,731.25
Benue residents face similarly high prices, paying N17,731.25 on average to refill a 12.5kg cylinder. The cost of smaller gas cylinders is also steep, further straining household budgets during the festive season.
4. Cross River State – N17,563.89
Known for its vibrant Christmas events, Cross River State has one of the highest cooking gas prices, with residents paying N17,563.89 for a 12.5kg refill. This adds to the overall cost of celebrating in this South-South state.
5. Bauchi State – N17,500.00
Bauchi is the most expensive northern state on the list, with a refill cost of N17,500.00 for a 12.5kg cylinder. Families in Bauchi face high expenses as they prepare for the holiday season.
6. Sokoto State – N17,480.00
In Sokoto, the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder is N17,480.00, making it one of the priciest states for Christmas cooking. This adds to the challenges faced by residents in the state.
7. Ogun State – N17,392.86
Ogun State residents pay an average of N17,392.86 to refill a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder, making holiday cooking a costly endeavor in this South-Western state.
8. Imo State – N17,371.91
In Imo, the average cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder is N17,371.91. This high price significantly impacts families hosting Christmas gatherings and preparing traditional meals.
9. Edo State – N17,359.38
Edo State residents pay an average of N17,359.38 for a 12.5kg cylinder refill. This high cost adds to the financial pressure during the holiday season.
10. Ebonyi State – N17,196.43
Rounding out the list is Ebonyi State, where residents spend N17,196.43 on average to refill a 12.5kg cylinder. Despite being slightly lower than other states on the list, the cost is still significantly high for many families.
Conclusion
As Nigerians prepare for Christmas, the rising cost of cooking gas is an additional financial burden that many families are grappling with. These high prices are particularly pronounced in the states listed above, where residents are spending significantly more on refilling cooking gas cylinders compared to other parts of the country.
While the festive season remains a time of joy and togetherness, addressing the rising cost of living and making essential commodities like cooking gas more affordable will be critical to ensuring that all Nigerians can celebrate without undue financial stress. For now, families are adapting to these challenges as they look forward to a memorable holiday season.
