Cooking gas sellers in Enugu State have expressed concern over reduced patronage following the sharp increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Many residents have turned to charcoal as a cheaper alternative, according to the sellers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.
Declining Sales and Economic Hardship
The sellers attributed the drop in demand to the rising cost of cooking gas across Nigeria. They called on the federal government to address the factors driving up prices to alleviate the economic burden on citizens.
Emmanuel Okam, a gas retailer, described the situation as discouraging, noting that his sales have fallen significantly compared to previous months. He said customers who previously bought five kilogrammes of gas now purchase only two kilogrammes due to high costs.
“Business is no longer what it used to be. Before now, I could refill up to five or six cylinders in a week, but demand has dropped sharply due to high gas prices,” Okam said. He explained that he buys gas at about N1,600 per kilogramme from suppliers and sells to households at about N1,850, but many customers still cannot afford the quantity they need.
Okam revealed that he has reduced his profit margin to attract customers but still struggles to make reasonable sales. “Before, I could sell about 60kg in a week, but now I hardly sell half of that quantity. It is affecting my income and my ability to meet family and other financial obligations,” he added. He urged the government to collaborate with gas suppliers to reduce LPG costs, noting that any reduction at the source would benefit consumers.
Retailers and Consumers Feel the Pinch
Another retailer, Ifeanyi Maduka, blamed the economic situation for the decline in patronage. “Nigeria is really affecting all of us. Gas that used to sell for between N400 and N500 has risen to over N1,000, while fuel prices have also increased. Everything is becoming more expensive in Nigeria,” he lamented.
Maduka noted that although customers still visit his outlet, the volume of purchases has reduced considerably due to dwindling purchasing power. “Customers are coming, but not like before, because money is not circulating. Gas prices are no longer stable. A supplier can increase the price at any time, which affects retailers and consumers alike,” he said. He added that while some outlets sell gas for as high as N2,000 per kilogramme, others sell between N1,800 and N1,900, while his outlet sells at N1,750.
A resident, Ukamaka Okoro, said the high cost of gas forced her to reduce the quantity she buys. “I used to buy seven kilogrammes of cooking gas, but when I went to buy a few days ago, I was told that a kilogramme now costs N1,850. I have no option but to reduce the quantity. I am a secondary school teacher. I am appealing to the government to do something urgently to reduce the burden on low-income earners like us,” Mrs Okoro said.
Charcoal Dealers See Boom
Meanwhile, a charcoal dealer who requested anonymity told NAN that patronage has increased significantly in recent months as more households seek cheaper cooking fuel alternatives. The dealer attributed the surge in demand to rising prices of cooking gas and kerosene.
According to him, a bag of charcoal currently sells for between N8,000 and N8,500, depending on its size. “The price of charcoal has remained relatively stable over the past few months. The only challenge is the cost of transportation from areas such as Eha-Amufu in Enugu State, as well as parts of Benue and Kogi states. Many people who can no longer afford cooking gas are now buying charcoal, and this has led to increased patronage,” he said.
