A Nigerian man has stirred reactions on social media after accusing cooking gas sellers of being driven by greed and opportunism.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the user identified as Osas questioned why many gas sellers are quick to raise prices when costs go up, but reluctant to reduce them when the market price drops.
How cooking gas sellers react to price fluctuations
He illustrated his frustration with an example, saying when the price of gas increases from ₦1,000 to ₦1,500, sellers often claim, “I must sell my old stock at the new price so I can afford to restock.”
However, when the price falls from ₦1,000 to ₦500, Osas noted that the same sellers usually argue, “I can’t reduce the price; I bought my old stock at the higher rate.”
Expressing disappointment, he concluded that such behaviour was not about market logic but pure greed and opportunism.
He said: “But you’ll now need less money to restock. What’s stopping you from adjusting immediately? Let’s be honest; it’s not economics, it’s greed and opportunism.”
His post has since attracted mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that some business owners exploit consumers, while others argued that unstable market conditions often make pricing difficult.
Social media reactions
Bambz wrote: “Honestly speaking, there’s one Alfa in my area that sells cooking gas, he sells for 1,200 per kg despite pressure from other sellers to increase the price. Some Nigerian’s just like taking advantage of any opportunity that arises”.
Francis Kotobo said: “If you increase the price of old stock to current price, you should also reduce your prices when price falls but to businessmen it makes no economic sense. My concern is that those who criticise businessmen won’t do the same, if the table turns. it’s easier said than done. IRE O.”
O.S.A stated: “That not how business works. You only talked about the businesses income, what about their expenses? Expenses plays a role too. If you sell your product cheap but your expenditure is high, then you need to increase your income. Everything is just so expensive, not just gas.”
Herpi said: “When I buy #10 and sold #12. Going to restock, cost price is now #15. Where will I get the additional #3 to add, that’s if I added my profit to it ? Now, how do I stay in business if this is my reality?”