Nigeria TV Info 

Abuja Residents Turn to Firewood, Charcoal as Cooking Gas Hits ₦2,000 per Kg

Residents of Abuja are increasingly switching to firewood and charcoal for cooking as the price of cooking gas surges to about ₦2,000 per kilogram, deepening the cost-of-living crisis in the capital city.

A steady rise in global energy costs, foreign exchange pressure, and local distribution challenges have pushed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) beyond the reach of many households. Vendors across major districts such as Kubwa, Nyanya, and Lugbe report sharp drops in gas purchases over the past weeks.

Many low- and middle-income families say they can no longer afford regular refills, forcing them to return to traditional cooking methods. “I used to buy gas every two weeks, but now I can barely afford it once a month,” a resident in Karu lamented.

Charcoal sellers, however, are witnessing increased demand, leading to their own price hikes. Environmental experts warn that the growing reliance on firewood may worsen deforestation and indoor air pollution, posing long-term health risks.

Analysts say without urgent intervention such as subsidies, improved supply chains, or price regulation, more households may continue to fall back on cheaper but less sustainable energy sources.