As the price of cooking gas continues to soar, many Nigerians in urban areas are turning back to cheaper, traditional cooking fuels—charcoal and firewood—as more affordable alternatives. Once considered outdated and cumbersome, these fuels are making a resurgence in households grappling with rising living costs.
Charcoal and firewood were once the primary cooking fuels in Nigeria, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. However, with the introduction of cooking gas, these traditional fuels were gradually sidelined due to the convenience and efficiency offered by gas. Cooking gas, with its clean burn and ease of use, quickly became the preferred choice for many households.
But with the recent spike in cooking gas prices—currently standing at approximately N4000 for a 3kg cylinder—families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford. The affordability of charcoal, which costs between N500 and N1,000 per portion, and firewood, which sells for about N700 per bundle of four sticks, is prompting a return to these more budget-friendly options.
A survey conducted by Economy&Lifestyle reveals that urban dwellers, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, have started sourcing firewood from nearby bushes and farms, a practice once reserved for rural areas. Many people are now turning to local building sites or forested areas to gather firewood, significantly reducing their cooking costs.
Mr. Yekini Abdullahi, a vulcaniser who spoke with Economy&Lifestyle, shared how his family has adopted this shift. “My wife and I were spending too much on cooking gas, and in this economic condition, such spending is not sustainable,” he said. Abdullahi, who has turned to firewood, explained that while charcoal remains an option, firewood has become even cheaper and is readily available.
“Although charcoal is cheaper, the difference in price is not that much, so we decided to source firewood from building sites or in some bush parts around our neighborhood,” he added.
Abdullahi further explained that they place the firewood in a coal pot, light it, and use it for cooking, just as people did in the past. “So far, the experience hasn’t been any bad, and we are enjoying cooking with firewood, which in any case, we didn’t spend much on,” he concluded.
The return to firewood and charcoal not only reflects a shift in fuel preferences but also highlights the broader economic challenges faced by Nigerians as they seek ways to reduce household expenses. With inflation affecting many sectors, the impact of rising cooking gas prices is felt most by low-income families who are forced to adapt in order to make ends meet.
While these traditional cooking fuels may not offer the same level of convenience as gas, their affordability has made them a necessary choice for many. As the cost of living continues to rise, more urban Nigerians may follow suit, turning to firewood and charcoal as their main sources of fuel for cooking.
