The rising cost of cooking gas across Nigeria is forcing many households to abandon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in favour of charcoal, even as the price of the alternative fuel continues to surge due to growing demand.
Findings from several states, including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ondo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), show that families are increasingly turning to charcoal and firewood as cooking gas becomes less affordable. However, the shift has triggered a sharp increase in charcoal prices, placing additional pressure on household budgets. (Trust Radio)
Market surveys revealed that cooking gas prices have risen significantly in recent weeks. In parts of Kwara State, a kilogramme of cooking gas now sells for about N1,700, up from previous levels, with marketers attributing the increase to supply challenges and global market uncertainties. (Trust Radio)
As a result, charcoal traders reported a surge in patronage. In Kaduna, sellers said a sack of charcoal that previously sold for between N6,500 and N7,000 now costs around N8,000, while prices in some locations have climbed to N8,500 per bag. (Trust Radio)
Traders attributed the increase to higher demand and difficulties in accessing production areas due to insecurity. According to them, many charcoal producers are avoiding deep forest areas because of security concerns, leading to reduced supply and higher prices. (Trust Radio)
Residents across the country say they are struggling to cope with the rising costs of both cooking gas and charcoal. Some households have adopted a combination of gas and charcoal to reduce expenses, while others have switched completely to charcoal despite the inconvenience and health concerns associated with its use. (Trust Radio)
Small business owners, particularly food vendors who rely on charcoal for cooking and roasting, also reported shrinking profit margins as fuel costs continue to rise. Many warned that further increases could force them to raise food prices or scale down operations. (Trust Radio)
Energy experts have called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stabilise the cooking gas market and improve domestic gas supply. They argue that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves should be harnessed to make clean cooking energy more affordable and accessible to citizens. (Trust Radio)
Industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), have also urged authorities and operators within the LPG value chain to address supply shortages, reduce distribution bottlenecks and implement measures that will protect consumers from further price shocks. (Trust Radio)
With both cooking gas and charcoal becoming increasingly expensive, many Nigerians fear that meeting basic cooking needs may become even more difficult in the months ahead.
