Cooking gas prices in FCT have surged to N2,000 per kg, forcing households and businesses to switch to charcoal and firewood

Rising cooking gas prices in the Federal Capital Territory have forced many households and small businesses to abandon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in favour of charcoal, firewood and other cheaper alternatives, amid growing concerns over the cost of living.

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Consumers and traders who spoke on Sunday said the sharp increase in the price of cooking gas has placed significant pressure on household budgets and reduced business profitability across several communities in Abuja.

According to industry operators, cooking gas prices in FCT have risen from about N1,200 per kilogram earlier in the year to as much as N2,000 per kilogram in recent months.

The increase has been linked to supply shortages, rising depot costs, foreign exchange challenges and higher transportation expenses.

For many food vendors, the situation has become increasingly difficult.

A food vendor in Gwarimpa, Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu, said repeated price hikes forced her to stop using cooking gas and switch to firewood and charcoal.

“Refilling my gas cylinder became difficult because the price kept rising. I could no longer afford it and still make reasonable profit. Right now, 12.5kg of LPG goes for N25,000,” she said.

“Firewood and charcoal are not as convenient as gas, but they help me reduce costs and keep my business running.”

Akinpelu added that while some customers complain about delays in food preparation, the alternative fuels remain the most affordable option for sustaining her business.

In Dutse, within Bwari Area Council, another food vendor, Victory Samson, said the persistent increase in gas prices has significantly reduced her earnings.

“It has affected a lot; my profit margin has reduced. The government should help and bring the price back to normal,” she said.

The impact is also being felt in households.

A business owner in Kubwa, Mrs. Grace Oluwatimilehin, said she was surprised when the cost of gas jumped from N1,600 per kilogram to N2,000 within a short period.

“I now use electric hot plates for cooking and sometimes rely on charcoal and firewood instead of gas,” she said.

Similarly, Mrs. Abike Ojo, a mother of one, said the continued rise in cooking gas prices in FCT is stretching family finances.

“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.

Gas vendors have also reported a decline in sales as consumers cut back on purchases.

A gas retailer in Kubwa, Bamishile Bolanle, confirmed that LPG 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,” he said.

Another vendor in Dei-Dei, Alfred Orshio, said customer patronage has fallen sharply as refill costs continue to rise.

“Earlier this year, we sold gas for N1,200 per kg. It later rose to N1,400, then N1,800, and now N2,000,” he said.

“I cannot blame customers for buying less. Filling a 12kg cylinder now costs about N25,000.”

While gas dealers struggle with reduced demand, charcoal and firewood traders are experiencing booming business.

A charcoal distributor in Kubwa, Amina Yakubu, said demand has increased considerably in recent weeks.

“Patronage has increased recently, and I believe it is because of the rising cost of cooking gas,” she said, adding that she now sells bags of charcoal for N8,000 after purchasing them for N6,500.

Another charcoal trader, Saratu Ibrahim, said sales have accelerated dramatically.

“What used to take more than a week to sell now takes just two days,” she said.

Firewood seller Taninu Ibrahim also reported strong demand from households and food vendors seeking cheaper cooking options.

“More people now buy firewood because cooking gas has become too expensive for many families and small businesses,” he said.

The increased demand has also pushed up firewood prices, with six pieces previously sold for N1,000 now reduced to four pieces for the same amount.

As more residents switch to traditional fuels, stakeholders are warning that sustained increases in LPG prices could reverse efforts to promote cleaner energy use and deepen affordability challenges for families and businesses.

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They have called on the government and industry regulators to address supply constraints and stabilise prices before more consumers abandon cooking gas altogether.