A worsening domestic energy crisis is forcing millions of Nigerian households to abandon cleaner cooking fuels and return to traditional alternatives such as firewood.
Driven by a sharp increase in the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, and kerosene, many families in both urban and rural communities are reverting to firewood for cooking.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the average cost of refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder has risen to N22,382.20.
Findings indicate that many households in rural and semi-urban areas that had transitioned to cooking gas have now abandoned its use as retail LPG prices climb to around N2,000 per kilogram. In some northern states and border communities, the price of a kilogram of gas has reportedly reached N3,000.
At the same time, household kerosene has become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians.
According to the latest NBS Household Kerosene Price Watch, the average retail price of kerosene is nearing N4,000 per litre in states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos. This marks a significant increase from the N50 to N100 per litre range recorded before the removal of fuel subsidies.
Households Struggle With Rising Costs
Mrs. Funmilayo Momoh, a fufu seller, lamented the impact of the rising cost of cooking gas on her household.
“Refilling my gas cylinder used to be a routine expense, but at N2,000 per kilogram, it has become completely unsustainable,” she said.
“Meals that take longer to cook, such as beans and some local delicacies, are gradually disappearing from our menu. We now rely on a makeshift firewood stove outside just to boil water and prepare basic meals.”
Roadside food vendors, popularly known as Mama Put operators, who once depended on LPG for its speed and convenience, are increasingly turning back to firewood in a bid to stay in business.
Mr. Felix Asuquo, a food vendor, said the situation has become unbearable.
“I can hardly cook with gas anymore. How much profit do I make from the food I sell?” he asked.
“Before now, N10,000 worth of cooking gas could last me for about two weeks. Today, that same amount barely lasts three days.
“This is a tragedy. We should be progressing as a country, but instead, we are going backwards. How can a nation blessed with abundant natural gas resources have citizens relying on firewood for cooking?
“The smoke affects people’s health, and our forests are being depleted. Government needs to address the exchange rate challenges and support local gas production.”
Mrs. Rukayat Saliu, a cleaner, also expressed concern over the situation.
“At N2,000 per kilogram, nobody can blame people for switching to firewood,” she said.
“My monthly salary cannot comfortably cover the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder more than once or twice. When you add the rising cost of food, it becomes clear that many Nigerians are simply struggling to survive.
“Even firewood has become expensive. Four pieces now cost about N1,000, but it is still more affordable than cooking gas.”
Structural Challenges Behind Price Increases
Industry marketers attribute the persistent rise in LPG prices to structural challenges within Nigeria’s energy value chain.
Despite possessing the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, Nigeria still relies heavily on imported LPG due to inadequate local processing infrastructure. This dependence exposes the domestic market to international price fluctuations, foreign exchange volatility, and high shipping costs.
Wholesale terminal prices have also risen significantly, with marketers reportedly paying as much as N26.2 million for a 20-metric-tonne truckload of gas.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Experts warn that the growing return to biomass fuels could undermine years of progress made through clean cooking initiatives.
The increasing demand for firewood is contributing to deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of wildlife habitats. Health experts also caution that prolonged exposure to firewood smoke may lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and eye-related complications, particularly among women and children who spend more time around cooking areas.
As energy costs continue to rise, many Nigerians are calling for urgent interventions to make cleaner cooking fuels more affordable and accessible.
Rising Cooking Gas Prices Force Nigerian Households Back to Firewood
