.

Prices on domestic markets for LPG appreciated while the international markets for LPG reached its minimum level at the middle of the same week.[/b]

[b]Key Development in Nigeria's LPG Market
The international prices of LPG were on a rising note and reached their maximum point around the initial period of the previous week but were at their minimum level in the middle of the week. However, it ended on a rising note
Depot prices continued to increase after a slight drop in the middle of the week compared to the previous week.
The narrowing disparities between prices at the depot level and those at the international level still persist.
Price changes per kg of LPG in the week under review and in the past few weeks have increased in the week under review.
Regional disparities in the retail prices of LPG within the country continue to persist.

Regional Disparity in Retail
Regional disparity in the prices of LPG across the country has been a regular feature of the Nigerian LPG market. There is a wide gap between the South East and South-west prices, this is due to its distance from the coastal region, which has the highest prices due to distance from the coastal regions.

Macroeconomics Variables and the LPG Market

Inflation Rate and the LPG: Inflation has consistently risen Over the last five months there has been a slight decrease month in month inflation rate. From 17.75% in June 2021 to 17.38 in July 2021 (See Illustration D). In October 2020, the rate was 14.23 per cent, and in November 2020, it rose to 14.89%. The composite food index fell from 22.95 per cent in March 2021 to 22.72 per cent in April 2021, 20.57 per cent in January 2021, 19.56 per cent in December 2020, and 15.48 per cent in July 2020, compared to 15.18 per cent in June 2020. For the month of May, a 15.4 per cent inflation rate is expected. The relaxation of the Covid-19 rule may have influenced the inflation rate trend..

Exchange Rate and the LPG: Exchange rate value from the CBN official site ranged from N410.41/$1 rate to 410.48/$1 in the previous week. (Figure E). This followed the CBN action on blocking the sales of Dollar in the Bureau de Change and gave the responsibility to the commercial banks. The exchange rate is one of the variables that determine the price of LPG in the international market. A higher exchange rate will add to the cost price of the LPG. This reduces LPG in the market.

Crude oil price and the LPG: As a by-product of crude oil, the relationship between the LPG price and crude oil price is positive. The Prices of crude oil in the international market fluctuated throughout the week but were at the highest level at the end of the week (Figure F). This indicates that a risen price of crude oil in the international market results in an increase in the cost of LPG. This signal a rise in the price of the LPG market.

Foreign Reserves: As in the previous week, the Nigerian Gross Foreign Reserve increased from $34.25 billion to $34.47 billion amid the devaluation and rising rate of the Naira at N410.41 to 410.49/US$1. This will signal to the investors and the country's creditors the strength of naira and the ability to repay debt.

PMI: The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of the CBN recorded overall growth in jobs, business activities, and inventory in the gas sector in December, while orders remained stagnant in the Electricity, gas, steam & air conditioning supply segment, while Business Activities and employment & inventory remained 45.7 per cent in the same month.

Current Topical Issues of the Week
Covid-19: Covid-19 causes the demand for goods and services to fall due to the full or partial lock-down effect. The implication of the Covid-19 contracts the LPG market

Policy Recommendations
To reduce the effect of the Covid-19 on the economy, there should be a constant awareness programme through the media and places of worship; and also a vaccine for Covid-19 should be made available for everybody

Outlook: Coming Weeks
The prices in the weeks to come may rise due to the VAT levied against the LPG and the pressure of LPG export on the US


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Naira is on its way to 740/$