Abuja residents turn to firewood and charcoal as cooking gas prices surge

Households and businesses in Abuja are increasingly adopting traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood due to a sharp rise in cooking gas prices. The cost of cooking gas in the Federal Capital Territory has escalated from approximately N1,200 per kg to N2,000 per kg in recent months. Industry operators attribute this increase to supply shortages, higher depot costs, foreign exchange pressures, and rising transportation expenses. Consumers and vendors, including food vendors like Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu and Ms. Victory Samson, report that the soaring prices have made cooking gas unaffordable, impacting profit margins and forcing them to seek cheaper alternatives. Mrs. Grace Oluwatimilehin, a business owner, now uses electric hot plates, charcoal, and firewood. Mrs. Abike Ojo, a mother, expressed concern about the pressure on her household budget. Gas vendors, Mr. Bamishile Bolanle and Mr. Alfred Orshio, confirmed the price increase and noted a decline in customer patronage and purchasing power. Conversely, charcoal distributors like Mrs. Amina Yakubu and Mrs. Saratu Ibrahim, along with firewood seller Mr. Taninu Ibrahim, have seen a significant increase in demand for their products, leading to higher prices for these alternatives as well. Stakeholders are calling for government intervention to stabilize prices, warning that continued scarcity and reduced purchasing power could further decrease gas consumption.