“Abuja Households Turn to Firewood and Charcoal as Cooking Gas Price Surges to N2,000 Per Kilogram”

“Abuja Households Turn to Firewood and Charcoal as Cooking Gas Price Surges to N2,000 Per Kilogram”

Residents of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, are increasingly abandoning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, in favor of firewood and charcoal following a sharp rise in gas prices that has pushed the commodity to as much as N2,000 per kilogram in some parts of the city.

The development is placing additional financial pressure on households already grappling with high living costs, inflation, and rising energy expenses. Many families say the soaring price of cooking gas has made it difficult to sustain its use for daily cooking, forcing them to seek cheaper alternatives despite concerns about health, environmental sustainability, and efficiency.

Market surveys across several Abuja communities indicate that the cost of refilling cooking gas has continued to climb, significantly increasing household energy expenditures. Consumers who previously relied exclusively on LPG are now adopting mixed energy strategies, using charcoal and firewood for bulk cooking while reserving gas for limited domestic use.

Energy analysts warn that the shift away from cleaner cooking fuels could undermine efforts to promote sustainable energy adoption in Nigeria. The increased dependence on firewood and charcoal may contribute to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and other public health challenges, particularly among women and children who are often most exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods.

Industry stakeholders have attributed the rising cost of cooking gas to a combination of factors, including foreign exchange volatility, supply chain challenges, transportation costs, and broader economic pressures affecting the energy sector. The situation has reignited discussions about the need for policies that improve access to affordable clean energy and protect vulnerable households from escalating fuel costs.

Experts argue that expanding domestic gas production, strengthening distribution infrastructure, and implementing targeted consumer support measures could help stabilize prices and encourage continued adoption of cleaner cooking fuels. They also emphasize the importance of long-term investments in energy security to reduce dependence on external market fluctuations.

As households across Abuja adjust to the reality of rising cooking gas prices, many residents say affordable energy solutions remain critical to maintaining their standard of living amid Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.