Households and small business owners in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are increasingly abandoning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in favor of traditional cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood. This shift comes as the price of cooking gas continues to climb sharply, placing additional financial strain on residents already grappling with a high cost of living.
Sharp Increase in Cooking Gas Prices
According to traders and consumers, the price of cooking gas has surged from approximately N1,200 per kilogram to as much as N2,000 per kilogram in various parts of Abuja. This dramatic rise has made LPG unaffordable for many households and small business owners, prompting them to seek cheaper alternatives.
Residents Struggle with Affordability
Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu, a food vendor in Gwarimpa, explained that she had no choice but to switch to alternative fuels after the cost of gas refills became prohibitive for her business. She stated, "Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make a reasonable profit. Currently, a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG costs N25,000. Firewood and charcoal are not as convenient as gas, but they help me reduce costs and keep my business running."
Other business owners have reported similar challenges, noting that their profit margins have shrunk significantly. Some have begun using electric hot plates alongside charcoal and firewood to further reduce operating expenses.
Impact on Households
For many households, the situation has become increasingly difficult. Residents noted that gas purchases that cost between N1,500 and N1,600 per kilogram just a few weeks ago now require much more money. The continuous price increases have made it nearly impossible for some families to afford cooking gas for daily use.
Alternative Fuel Sellers See Increased Patronage
As demand for cooking gas declines, sellers of charcoal and firewood are experiencing a surge in business. Mrs. Amina Yakubu, a charcoal seller in Kubwa, reported that more customers have switched to charcoal due to rising gas prices. She said, "Patronage has increased recently, and I believe it is because of the rising cost of cooking gas. I buy a bag of charcoal for N6,500 and sell it to my customers for N8,000."
Another charcoal vendor, Mrs. Saratu Ibrahim, noted that her stock is selling much faster than before. She explained that inventory that previously took over a week to sell now moves within days, highlighting the growing reliance on traditional fuels.
Gas Dealers Cite Supply Challenges
Gas dealers attribute the price increase to supply shortages, rising costs, and declining consumer purchasing power. Mr. Bamishile Bolanle, a vendor based in Kubwa, said many customers now buy smaller quantities or postpone refills altogether. Another dealer, Mr. Alfred Orshio, observed that gas prices have risen steadily from N1,200 per kilogram earlier in the year to the current N2,000 per kilogram.
With demand shifting towards charcoal and firewood, residents are calling on authorities to address supply concerns and stabilize prices before more households abandon cooking gas entirely.
National Statistics on Cooking Gas Prices
Earlier reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of LPG rose by 13.73% month-on-month, from N7,655.73 in March 2026 to N8,706.93 in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42% from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
The NBS also reported that the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG rose by 13.89% month-on-month, from N19,652.83 in March 2026 to N22,382.20 in April 2026. These figures underscore the significant financial burden placed on Nigerian consumers.
As the situation continues to evolve, many are hopeful that government intervention will help alleviate the pressure on households and businesses, ensuring access to affordable and convenient cooking energy.
