The Republic of Niger has imposed a ban on all exports of liquefied petroleum gas, according to an official statement released by the government on Tuesday.

The statement noted that national production should be used to supply the domestic market, and in case of surplus a special authorization can be requested to export it, Reuters reported.

Niger exports gas to neighbouring Nigeria.

The PUNCH gathered that both countries in 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding for petroleum products importation.

The agreement was formally signed in the presence of the respective ministers of state for petroleum, Timipre Sylva representing Nigeria and Foumakoye Gado representing Niger Republic. Related News

Sylva said, “This is a major step forward. The Niger Republic has some excess products which need to be evacuated. Nigeria has the market for these products. Therefore, this is going to be a win-win relationship for both countries.

“My hope is that this is going to be the beginning of deepening trade relations between Niger Republic and Nigeria.”

LPG is used for cooking, heating, and vehicles, has seen a drastic price increase in Nigeria, reaching an unprecedented high of N1,000 per kilogram from the previous N750.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers had warned of a possible price surge due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and international market activities.