Cooking Gas Price Surge Pushes Nigerian Households Back To Charcoal, Threatens Clean Energy Drive

Cooking Gas Price Surge Pushes Nigerian Households Back to Charcoal, Threatens Clean Energy Drive Nigeria’s campaign to promote cleaner cooking energy is facing a major setback as soaring prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG, commonly known as cooking gas, force many households to abandon gas and return to charcoal and other traditional fuels. A sharp rise in LPG prices, driven by global supply disruptions and domestic market challenges, has increased the cost of cooking gas by as much as 67 per cent in parts of the country, raising concerns among energy experts, environmental advocates and industry stakeholders. According to industry reports, LPG that sold for less than ₦1,500 per kilogram in many locations just weeks ago has surged to about ₦2,500 per kilogram in Lagos and other major cities. The increase has significantly raised household energy costs at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with inflation and economic pressures. The price hike has translated into an estimated monthly national LPG consumption bill of about ₦362 billion, up sharply from roughly ₦224 billion previously, placing additional strain on families and small businesses that depend on cooking gas for daily activities. Across Lagos, Abuja, Ilorin, Kano and several other cities, residents report reducing gas usage, delaying cylinder refills, or switching entirely to charcoal and firewood as cheaper alternatives. Many households now reserve LPG for quick cooking tasks such as boiling water or preparing breakfast, while relying on charcoal for more energy-intensive meals. The Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers NALPGAM has attributed the crisis to supply constraints, rising depot prices, logistics costs and market distortions. The association has also alleged that some major suppliers are contributing to shortages within the market, although some of the companies named have rejected the accusations. Industry stakeholders say international developments, including tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting global energy supply chains, have contributed to higher LPG prices. Domestic supply challenges have further worsened the situation, reducing affordability for consumers. The development threatens years of progress made in expanding LPG adoption across Nigeria. National consumption has increased from approximately 250,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to about 1.5 million metric tonnes in 2024. However, the federal government’s target of achieving between five and six million metric tonnes annually remains far from being realized. Energy experts warn that a return to charcoal and firewood could have serious health and environmental consequences. Traditional cooking fuels are associated with indoor air pollution, respiratory illnesses, deforestation and increased carbon emissions. Women and children are often the most vulnerable to these effects because they spend more time around cooking areas and may be involved in collecting fuel. Environmental advocates have also expressed concern that increased demand for charcoal could accelerate forest degradation and undermine efforts to promote cleaner energy solutions across the country. Meanwhile, marketers report declining sales volumes as consumers reduce purchases or seek alternative cooking methods. Some households are exploring biomass stoves, pellet-based cooking systems and other lower-cost energy options as they struggle to cope with rising LPG costs. Stakeholders are calling on the federal government to intervene through policies aimed at stabilizing LPG prices, improving domestic supply and protecting the gains made under Nigeria’s clean cooking and energy transition programs. Without urgent action, experts warn that millions of households could continue shifting away from cleaner fuels, reversing years of progress toward safer and more sustainable cooking practices.