Abuja Residents Shift to Charcoal and Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
The rising cost of cooking gas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has compelled many residents and small business owners to switch to alternative energy sources such as charcoal and firewood, as affordability continues to decline.
The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased significantly in recent months, moving from about ₦1,200 per kilogram to as high as ₦2,000 per kilogram. Stakeholders in the sector attribute the upward trend to supply shortages, increased depot charges, foreign exchange pressures, and rising transportation costs.
The price hike has placed considerable strain on households and small-scale food vendors who depend on gas for daily cooking activities. Many operators say the development has reduced their profit margins and forced them to adjust their operations to remain in business.
Some food vendors reported that repeated increases in LPG prices made it difficult to sustain their businesses, leading them to adopt cheaper alternatives such as charcoal and firewood despite the inconvenience and longer cooking times. Others noted that while these alternatives are less efficient, they remain the only viable option under current economic conditions.
Residents have also expressed concern over the impact on household budgets, warning that continued increases could force more families to abandon gas entirely.
Meanwhile, demand for charcoal and firewood has increased noticeably across Abuja, with vendors reporting faster sales. However, they also noted that prices of these alternatives are gradually rising due to higher demand and transportation expenses.
Gas retailers confirmed that patronage has declined due to reduced purchasing power among consumers. They also linked the situation to supply constraints and rising operational costs.
Stakeholders have called for urgent government intervention to stabilise cooking gas prices, warning that sustained increases could worsen living conditions and deepen the cost-of-living challenges faced by urban residents.
