The rising prices of cooking gas have forced many households and businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to embrace traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cooking gas prices in the FCT have risen sharply within the last few months, moving from about N1,200 per kg to N2,000 per kg
Industry operators have attributed the increase to supply shortages, higher depot costs, foreign exchange pressures, and rising transportation expenses.
Consumers and vendors of this essential commodity, who spoke to NAN, said the rising costs have forced many households and businesses to seek cheaper cooking alternatives.
Mrs Mayo Akinpelu, a food vendor in Gwarinpa, Abuja, said she stopped using cooking gas after repeated price increases made it too expensive for her business.
According to Akinpelu, she switched to firewood and charcoal because they are cheaper and easier to purchase in small quantities.
“Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make a reasonable profit. Right now, 12.5kg of LPG goes for N25,000.
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“Firewood and charcoal are not as convenient as gas, but they help me reduce costs and keep my business running,” she said.
She added that, although customers sometimes complain about delays, the alternative fuels have become her only practical option amid rising gas prices.
Another food vendor in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, Ms Victory Samson, said the increase has significantly reduced her profit margin and affected her business operations.
“It has affected a lot; my profit margin has reduced. The government should help and bring the price back to normal,” Samson said.
In Kubwa, a business owner, Mrs Grace Oluwatimilehin, said she was shocked by the latest increase after recently buying gas at a lower rate.
“I filled my cylinder at N1,600 per kg the last time, but when I went back yesterday, the price had risen to N2,000 per kg.
“I now use electric hot plates for cooking and sometimes rely on charcoal and firewood instead of gas,” she said.
Mrs Abike Ojo, a mother of one, said the continuous rise in gas prices is placing severe pressure on her household budget.
“The last time I bought gas, it was N1,500 per kg, but my most recent purchase cost N2,000.
“If prices keep rising, I may stop using gas entirely because it has become too expensive,” she said.
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She appealed to the government to intervene, warning that the rising cost of gas could further increase household expenses.
Reacting, a gas vendor in Kubwa, Mr Bamishile Bolanle, confirmed that gas currently sells for N2,000 per kilogram.
“The increase has affected business because people’s purchasing power has dropped significantly.
“From what we observe, the major issue is product scarcity, although we do not know the exact cause,” Bolanle said.
Another gas vendor in Dei Dei, Mr Alfred Orshio, said the price increase has resulted in a noticeable decline in customer patronage.
“Earlier this year, we sold gas for N1,200 per kg. It later rose to N1,400, then N1,800, and now N2,000.
