The surge in cooking gas prices has added to the daily struggle to afford food, exacerbated by soaring inflation that has severely impacted their financial resources.
Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated with the rising cost of living, particularly with the recent sharp increase in cooking gas prices, which have skyrocketed to N1250 per kilogramme.
As a result, many households are seeking alternative cooking methods, with a significant number turning to charcoal and firewood.
The surge in cooking gas prices has added to the daily struggle to afford food, exacerbated by soaring inflation that has severely impacted their financial resources.
Furthermore, kerosene is not a viable alternative due to its high cost, with prices ranging from N1,350 to N1,450 per liter depending on the location.
SaharaReporters’ checks on Friday, showed that refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas costs an average of N6,250, excluding transportation costs.
While some Nigerians find charcoal and firewood to be relatively more affordable, even these prices have risen by over 25% in recent months, now costing between N7,500 and N8,000 per 25kg bag.
In Kwara State, many residents particularly those earning hand to mouth, the daily cost of cooking gas and Kerosene have become unsustainable.
Some of the residents who spoke with SaharaReporters claimed that the price of gas is not static, lamenting that is really affecting their budget.
A market survey in Ilorin, shows that NIPCO located beside Alhikma University Ilorin, selling a kilogram of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), at N1200, while at Private Station a kilogram is sold between N1,250 to N1,300.
In Sokoto State, the situation is not different as the product as of August 23, is being sold for N1,220 at NIPCO station in Sokoto.
In Awka, the Anambra State capital, residents have resorted to the use of charcoal and firewood for cooking as they no longer afford to buy cooking gas following its astronomical price hike.
Speaking with SaharaReporters on Friday, some residents of Awka lamented that it has become a serious challenge for them buying cooking gas between N1,350 and N1,400 per kg at gas stations and N1,550 and N1,600 at black markets.
In a similar development, residents of Enugu State metropolis are grappling with the soaring price cooking gas.
Some who spoke with SaharaReporters said they are now shifting to charcoal and firewood to cook their meals, noting that though it has its own challenges, it remains their only option as it has become obvious they are no more able to keep up with the high price of cooking gas.
They added that the Kerosine is not an option as it is even more expensive than cooking gas.
In Minna, Niger State, the situation is not different.
Amina Umar, a resident of the town said that what used to fill her 12.5kg gas cylinder as of last month was N13,750 but as of August it now cost her N15,000.
However, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, especially in Zuba suburb and outskirts like Madalla and Kwankwashe, cooking gas is not available, SaharaReporters' findings have shown.
Residents who spoke with SaharaReporters, said for days now they have been unable to get cooking gas.