Abuja Residents Turn to Charcoal as Gas Prices Surge

In Abuja, the price of cooking gas has sharply increased from N1,200 to N2,000 per kilogram within a month, prompting residents to seek cheaper alternatives such as charcoal and firewood. Food vendor Mr.

Mayo Akinpelu from Gwarimpa noted that the rising gas prices have made it difficult to maintain business profitability, leading her to switch to firewood and charcoal. Similarly, Ms.

Victori Samson, a vendor in Dutsinma, expressed that the price hikes have significantly reduced profit margins. Mr.

Bamishil Bolanle, a gas vendor in Kubwa, confirmed the current price of gas at N2,000 per kilogram, attributing the increase to product scarcity and decreased customer patronage. Charcoal demand has surged, with Mr.

Amina Yakubu reporting that a bag of charcoal now sells for N8,000. The rising costs of cooking gas have placed severe pressure on household budgets, leading many to abandon gas in favor of more affordable cooking methods.