Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory are abandoning clean cooking gas for traditional firewood and charcoal as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) surges to as high as N2,000 per kilogram, intensifying the cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria’s capital.
Market surveys across areas such as Jabi, Utako, and other parts of Abuja reveal wide price variations. While some major retailers sell at around N1,580–N1,750 per kg, independent vendors and informal outlets are charging up to N2,000 per kg. This sharp rise from about N1,500 per kg in recent weeks means refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder now costs between N20,000 and over N25,000 in some cases.
Families, small food vendors, and low-income earners report cutting back on meals, rationing gas severely, or completely switching to firewood and charcoal to cope. Many describe the situation as unsustainable, with the high cost forcing a return to less efficient and more polluting cooking methods.
“The last time I bought gas, it was N1,500 per kg, but my most recent purchase cost N2,000,” one resident told reporters. “If prices keep rising, I may stop using gas entirely and rely on charcoal.”
Environmental and health experts warn that the shift back to biomass fuels could increase indoor air pollution, respiratory illnesses, and deforestation pressures. Despite Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources, persistent supply challenges, foreign exchange issues, and logistics costs continue to drive up prices.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to implement urgent interventions, including subsidies for domestic LPG, improved local refining and distribution, and support for vulnerable households to prevent further hardship.