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The sharp rise in the price of cooking gas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has forced many households and small business owners to abandon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in favour of traditional cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cost 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, triggering concerns among consumers and industry operators.
Stakeholders attribute the increase to product scarcity, rising depot prices, foreign exchange challenges, and escalating transportation costs.
Businesses Struggle as Gas Prices Soar
For many food vendors, the rising cost of LPG has become unsustainable.
A food vendor in Gwarimpa, Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu, said she had no choice but to switch to firewood and charcoal after repeated increases in gas prices eroded her profits.
“Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make reasonable profit. Right now, 12.5kg of LPG goes for about N25,000,” she said.
Although she acknowledged that charcoal and firewood are less convenient, Akinpelu noted that they remain the most affordable option for keeping her business afloat.
Similarly, Ms. Victory Samson, a food vendor in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, lamented that the soaring cost of gas has significantly reduced her earnings.
“It has affected a lot; my profit margin has reduced. The government should help and bring the price back to normal,” she appealed.
Households Seek Cheaper Alternatives
Residents across the FCT are also feeling the impact.
In Kubwa, businesswoman Mrs. Grace Oluwatimilehin said she was surprised by the latest increase after recently purchasing gas at a lower rate.
“I bought gas at N1,600 per kg the last time, but when I returned, the price had jumped to N2,000 per kg.
“I now rely on electric hot plates for cooking and sometimes use charcoal and firewood instead,” she said.
A mother of one, Mrs. Abike Ojo, described the situation as a growing burden on household finances.
“The last time I bought gas, it was N1,500 per kg. My most recent refill cost N2,000 per kg. If prices continue to rise, I may stop using gas completely,” she said.
She urged the government to intervene, warning that continued increases could worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
Vendors Confirm Declining Patronage
Gas retailers say the surge in prices has led to a significant drop in customer demand.
A Kubwa-based gas vendor, Mr. Bamishile Bolanle, confirmed that LPG currently sells for N2,000 per kilogram and blamed product scarcity for the increase.
“The rise in price has affected our business because many customers can no longer afford to refill their cylinders regularly,” he said.
Another vendor in Dei-Dei, Mr. Alfred Orshio, noted that the cost of filling a standard 12kg cylinder has climbed to about N25,000.
“Earlier this year, we sold gas for N1,200 per kg. It later increased to N1,400, then N1,800, and now N2,000. Customers are buying less because of the high cost,” he said.
Charcoal and Firewood Traders Record Increased Sales
As more residents abandon LPG, charcoal and firewood sellers are witnessing a surge in demand.
A charcoal distributor in Kubwa, Mrs. Amina Yakubu, said patronage has risen significantly in recent months.
“I buy a bag of charcoal for N6,500 and sell it for N8,000. More people are turning to charcoal because cooking gas has become too expensive,” she said.
Another charcoal trader, Mrs. Saratu Ibrahim, said sales now move much faster than before.
“What used to take over a week to sell now takes just two days. The demand is growing, but so is competition because many people have entered the business,” she said.
Firewood seller Mr. Taninu Ibrahim also reported increased patronage from households and food vendors.
“Before now, customers could get six pieces of firewood for N1,000. Today, the same amount of money buys only four pieces,” he explained, attributing the increase to rising demand and transportation costs.
Calls for Government Intervention
With cooking gas becoming increasingly unaffordable, stakeholders have called on the government to take urgent measures to stabilise prices and improve supply.
Industry operators warn that continued scarcity, weak consumer purchasing power, and rising energy costs could further reduce LPG consumption and deepen the shift toward traditional fuels, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and public health.
For many Abuja residents, the choice is no longer about convenience but survival, as the rising cost of cooking gas continues to squeeze household and business budgets.
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