Soaring gas prices push Abuja households to firewood

Rising cooking gas prices have forced many households and small business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to abandon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in favour of cheaper alternatives such as charcoal and firewood.

The price of cooking gas in Abuja has surged from about N1,200 per kilogram earlier in the year to as high as N2,000 per kilogram, driven by supply shortages, foreign exchange pressures, rising depot costs and transportation expenses.

The sharp increase has placed additional pressure on already strained household budgets and business operations, prompting many consumers to seek more affordable cooking options.

A food vendor in Gwarimpa, Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu, said she had stopped using gas because the cost of refilling cylinders had become unsustainable.

“Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make reasonable profit. Right now, a 12.5kg cylinder costs about N25,000 to refill,” she said.

According to her, charcoal and firewood, though less convenient, have helped her keep her food business running amid rising operating costs.

Another food vendor in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, Victory Samson, said the increase had significantly reduced her profit margin and appealed to the government to intervene.

“It has affected my business greatly. My profit margin has reduced and something needs to be done to bring the price down,” she said.

In Kubwa, Grace Oluwatimilehin said she was surprised by the latest price hike after recently purchasing gas at a lower rate.

“I bought gas at N1,600 per kilogram not long ago, but when I returned, the price had jumped to N2,000. I now rely more on electric hot plates and occasionally use charcoal and firewood,” she said.

For many families, the increase has translated into higher living costs. Abike Ojo, a resident, said the continuous rise in gas prices was stretching household finances.

“The last time I bought gas, it was N1,500 per kilogram, but now it is N2,000. If the trend continues, I may stop using gas completely,” she said.

Gas vendors also confirmed the increase and its impact on patronage.

A Kubwa-based gas retailer, Bamishile Bolanle, said sales had declined as customers struggled with reduced purchasing power.

“People are buying less because of the high cost. From what we can see, product scarcity appears to be a major factor behind the increase,” he said.

Similarly, a gas dealer in Dei-Dei, Alfred Orshio, said the price had risen steadily from N1,200 per kilogram at the beginning of the year to the current N2,000.

“I cannot blame customers for cutting back. Filling a 12kg cylinder now costs around N25,000,” he said.

While gas vendors lament declining sales, charcoal and firewood sellers are experiencing a surge in demand.

A charcoal trader in Kubwa, Amina Yakubu, said patronage had increased significantly as more households switched from gas.

“More people are buying charcoal because of the cost of gas. Demand has risen considerably in recent weeks,” she said.

Another charcoal seller, Saratu Ibrahim, said sales now move much faster than before, although increased demand has attracted more traders into the business.

“Stock that used to take more than a week to sell now finishes within two days,” she said.

Firewood dealer Taninu Ibrahim also reported a rise in demand, noting that the trend has pushed up prices.

“Before now, N1,000 could buy six pieces of firewood. Today, the same amount gets only four pieces because demand has increased,” he said.

As gas prices continue to climb, more residents and businesses are turning to traditional fuels, raising concerns about energy affordability and the rising cost of living in the nation’s capital.

Stakeholders have called on the government to address supply challenges and stabilise prices, warning that prolonged scarcity and high costs could further reduce LPG consumption and increase dependence on less environmentally friendly alternatives.