Cooking Gas Prices Hit N2,000 Per Kg, Nigerians Rush to Charcoal and Firewood

Nigeria’s cooking gas prices have surged to as high as N2,000 per kilogram in Abuja and Lagos, forcing many households and small businesses to abandon Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cheaper alternatives like charcoal and firewood. The sharp increase has deepened the cost-of-living crisis, with a 12.5kg cylinder refill now costing up to N25,000.

Small Businesses Feel the Heat

Food vendors and small-scale business owners say the rising gas cost has slashed their profits and pushed them to switch fuels. In Gwarimpa, Mrs Mayo Akinpelu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she stopped using cooking gas after repeated price hikes made it unsustainable. “Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make a reasonable profit,” she said. She now relies on charcoal and firewood to keep her food business running.

Another vendor in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, Victory Samson, said the high gas price has badly hurt her profit margin and appealed to the government to intervene. In Kubwa, Grace Oluwatimilehin said she was shocked to see gas jump from N1,600 to N2,000 per kilogram within a short period. She now uses electric hot plates and charcoal to cut costs.

Households Struggle

Residents say the rising cost of cooking gas adds to the financial burden from inflation and high food prices. Abike Ojo, a mother of one, said her latest refill cost N2,000 per kg, up from N1,500. “If it keeps rising, I may stop using gas entirely,” she said. Consumers are now calling on the government to stabilise LPG prices and improve affordability.

Gas Dealers Confirm Drop in Sales

Gas dealers across Abuja confirmed that many customers now buy smaller quantities or avoid refilling due to high prices. A vendor in Kubwa, Bamishile Bolanle, blamed the increase on product scarcity and weak consumer purchasing power. Another dealer in Dei-Dei, Alfred Orshio, noted that prices have risen steadily from N1,200 to N2,000 per kilogram within months. “I cannot blame customers for buying less. Filling a 12kg cylinder now costs about N25,000,” he said.

Charcoal and Firewood Demand Skyrockets

As more Nigerians ditch cooking gas, sellers of charcoal and firewood report a sharp rise in demand. Amina Yakubu, a charcoal distributor in Kubwa, said patronage has grown rapidly in recent weeks. Another seller, Saratu Ibrahim, said products that took over a week to sell are now gone within two days. Firewood seller Taninu Ibrahim also confirmed rising demand, adding that increased patronage has pushed up prices. “Before now, customers got six pieces of firewood for N1,000. Today, the same amount buys only four pieces,” he said.

Stakeholders Warn of Sustainability Risks

Stakeholders warn that unless supply challenges and rising costs are addressed, more households may shift away from cooking gas, raising concerns about energy affordability and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. A market survey conducted on Monday, May 25, 2026, showed significant price increases across Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and other states, sparking fears that the situation could worsen without urgent government action.