Soaring gas price pushes Abuja households to firewood, charcoal

Households and businesses in the Federal Capital Territory are increasingly turning to firewood and charcoal as the price of cooking gas rises to N2,000 per kilogram.

The cost of liquefied petroleum gas has climbed sharply from about N1,200 per kg in recent months, with industry sources linking the increase to supply shortages, higher depot costs, foreign exchange pressures, and rising transportation expenses.

A food vendor in Gwarimpa, Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu, said repeated price hikes made gas unaffordable for her business, forcing her to switch to firewood and charcoal. She noted that a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG now sells for N25,000. While the alternatives are less convenient, she said they help reduce costs and keep her business running.

Another vendor in Dutse, Ms. Victory Samson, said her profit margin had shrunk significantly and appealed to the government to bring gas prices back to normal.

In Kubwa, a business owner, Mrs. Grace Oluwatimilehin, expressed shock at the latest increase from N1,600 to N2,000 per kg. She now uses electric hot plates alongside charcoal and firewood. A mother of one, Mrs. Abike Ojo, said the continuous rise was straining her household budget and warned that further increases might force her to abandon gas entirely.

Gas vendors confirmed the trend. Mr. Bamishile Bolanle said the price now stands at N2,000 per kg, adding that product scarcity and reduced purchasing power had hurt business. Mr. Alfred Orshio noted that a 12kg cylinder now costs about N25,000, up from much lower levels earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, charcoal and firewood sellers reported a surge in demand. Mrs. Amina Yakubu said she buys a bag of charcoal for N6,500 and sells for N8,000. Mrs. Saratu Ibrahim said stock that used to take over a week to sell now clears in two days. Firewood seller Mr. Taninu Ibrahim noted that six pieces of firewood that previously cost N1,000 now fetch only four pieces for the same amount, citing higher demand and transportation costs.

As gas prices continue to rise, residents and business owners are adopting cheaper cooking alternatives, raising concerns about affordability and the rising cost of living in the FCT. Stakeholders have called for government intervention to stabilise prices.