In Nigeria, the soaring cost of vegetable oil has led many households to embrace air fryers as an affordable alternative for cooking.
Once dismissed as a luxury, air fryers are now gaining widespread popularity, offering a practical solution to the increasing financial strain on families due to the rising prices of vegetable oil.
A visit to various food markets in Lagos revealed the stark contrast in oil prices over the past few years. In 2018, a 5-litre bottle of vegetable oil cost around N2,100, depending on the brand.
However, in the wake of economic inflation and supply chain disruptions, that same 5-litre bottle now retails for as much as N22,000.
The price of a 25-litre keg has seen an even more significant increase, soaring from N9,500 to between N95,000 and N105,000, leaving many Nigerians feeling the financial burden.
Mrs. Chinenye Anyadike, a businesswoman, shared how the rising cost of vegetable oil forced her to seek an alternative.
She purchased a second-hand 3.5-litre air fryer for N18,000, a decision that she said has helped her cut down on the cost of buying expensive vegetable oil.
“Every home now has an air fryer. Gone are the days when a woman would be battling to buy vegetable oil, which price is always increasing in the market,” Anyadike said.
“Imagine buying 10 litres of vegetable oil at N49,000 and you will consume it in less than three months. The market women are not helping either. Some just add money to the oil they have in stock, claiming the price has gone up from the suppliers.”
For many Nigerians, the shift to air fryers has been a way to adapt to the current economic climate.
With the cost of living increasing, households are finding innovative ways to reduce their expenses while still enjoying traditional meals like fried rice, fish, yam, and plantain.
Air fryers, which use hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil, provide a healthier and more affordable option for many families.
Mrs. Fatimah Arogundade, a banker, explained how a friend introduced her to the benefits of air fryers as a cost-effective cooking solution.
“I was complaining about the high cost of vegetable oil recently when a friend informed me that I was wasting my money buying it. The air fryer has completely changed how I cook. It’s healthier, saves money, and is much easier to use.”
The rise of the air fryer in Nigerian kitchens is a reflection of broader consumer shifts, with more people turning to electric kitchen appliances to combat the rising cost of essential ingredients.
As vegetable oil prices continue to rise, Nigerians are increasingly relying on air fryers to make their meals more affordable and reduce the impact of inflation on their household budgets.
Despite its initial unpopularity, the air fryer has now become a staple in many Nigerian homes.
Experts predict that this trend will only grow as the demand for more cost-effective cooking methods increases in response to the economic pressures faced by households across the country.
