High cost of cooking fuel unsettles Abuja residents

The high cost of kerosene has been persistent over the past few months. However, with the price of cooking gas also skyrocketing, it seems that some Nigerians would have no choice but to opt for cooking with charcoal and firewood as cheaper alternatives. With the 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas selling for up to N6,000 […]

The high cost of kerosene has been persistent over the past few months. However, with the price of cooking gas also skyrocketing, it seems that some Nigerians would have no choice but to opt for cooking with charcoal and firewood as cheaper alternatives.

With the 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas selling for up to N6,000 in parts of Abuja and kerosene going up to as high as N450 per litre, it obvious that most families are finding cooking meals quite difficult.

The cost of liquefied petroleum gas which has escalated by up to 30 per cent is most probably due to the fluctuation and increase of oil prices worldwide. According to statistics provided by the Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA), Nigeria consumes 385,000 metric tonnes of LPG yearly, a huge hike from the 250,000 figure of 2013. 

As a result of the high cost of cooking gas and kerosene, the cost of living has soared up immensely with the prices of foodstuff and basic amenities tripling. Nigerians especially the less privileged, have complained and blamed the present government for their suffering and hardships.

Magaji Abubakar, a civil servant, says “The price hike of cooking fuel, especially kerosene, has brought hardship on the poor. Firewood and charcoal are also extremely scarce and if you are lucky to get some, then it’s at a higher price than usual. I am still battling with the choice of what to use at home. The government should bear in mind that not all Nigerian citizens are rich and not all can afford these ridiculous prices of cooking fuel.”

Jacob Akpunonu also lamented that there is no consideration for the poor. “If kerosene and cooking gas are this expensive how are we supposed to feed? My money is never enough for me to take care of my needs. I always have to borrow before the month runs out. It is frustrating.”