Charcoal Prices Surge as Cooking Gas Costs Rise in Nigeria

The price of charcoal in Nigeria has surged amid rising cooking gas costs, prompting households in states such as Kaduna, Kano, Ondo, and Kwara to turn to charcoal as an alternative. A market survey in Ilorin, Kwara State, indicates that the price of cooking gas continues to rise, with a 12.5kg cylinder now costing N21,250.

Mr. Abdul Alhaji attributes the increase in prices to supply challenges and tensions in the Middle East, which have impacted the market.

In Kaduna, charcoal sellers report significant price increases, with prices rising from N6,500 to N8,000 for a sack of charcoal. Muhammad Bala, a charcoal trader, noted that insecurity has made it difficult for producers to access forest areas, further reducing supply and pushing prices higher.

Households are increasingly struggling to afford cooking gas, leading to a rise in charcoal demand, with prices expected to approach N10,000 per sack in the coming month. Residents express concern over the affordability of charcoal as prices continue to rise.