By Clement Abayomi and Helen Okechukwu
Nigerians have returned to firewood and charcoal for cooking as the rising cost of cooking gas pushes clean energy beyond the reach of many households. Across several states, families say they are reducing the number of meals they prepare, avoiding foods that require long cooking times, and adopting other survival measures as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices continue to climb up.
The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has continued to rise across the country despite Nigeria being one of the world’s leading gas-producing nations and Africa’s largest oil producer, with output estimated at 1.48 million barrels per day.
A survey and data obtained by The New Daily Prime from residents in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states showed that cooking gas, which previously sold for prices between N1,300 and N1,500 per kilogram, now sells for prices between N1,800 and N2,000 per kilogram in many locations, with some residents reporting even higher prices.
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Residents also complained of difficulties accessing cooking gas due to occasional scarcity, saying the rising cost is adding to existing economic pressures caused by increasing food prices, transportation costs and house rents.
Reports indicate that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that refineries and gas processing plants accounted for the bulk of Nigeria’s LPG supply between April 2025 and April 2026.
Cooking gas, for many households, is gradually becoming a luxury rather than a basic necessity. As prices continue to rise, more families are abandoning gas for charcoal and firewood despite the health and environmental risks associated with those alternatives. Others are cutting down on meals and reducing consumption of foods that require longer cooking times in an effort to manage shrinking household budgets.
Rising Cost Forces Survival Adjustments
Udi, a middle-aged woman in Eneka, Rivers State, who depends on selling cooked meals as a means of livelihood, popularly known in Nigeria as “mama put”, narrated how the increase in food prices has affected her, while calling for government intervention.
“I buy 1kg of gas for N2,000,” she said, recalling that she usually buys it at a lower price.
“Anyhow it is, we dey manage. If we witness an increase in the price of cooking gas, there will be an increase in the price of what I sell.”
When asked about her next line of action in responding to the increment, she said, “As there is an increase in the price of cooking gas, we will continue to increase the cost of food.”
Mrs. Udi said she previously sold a plate of rice and beans, which is highly demanded by customers, for N800, but it is now sold for N1,000, despite backlash from customers.
“Without increments, we can’t recover our gain,” she said, while revealing that a custard bowl of tomatoes now costs N5,000, adding that she would have switched from gas to firewood if her environment permitted it.
The middle-aged woman, married with children, emphasised that the increase in the price of gas has not stopped her from buying the same amount she used to purchase.
“Despite the increase, I still fill my 4kg cylinder because I have no choice.”
Retail Irregularities
Mrs. Udi also recounted that some gas retailers do not fill cylinders to the correct capacity despite full payment.
She said, “Some retailers, while filling gas, usually mix air with little gas. The buyer will think the cylinder is full without knowing the actual quantity inside is small.”
Government Cannot Do Much
Mrs. Udi believes government intervention may no longer be enough to ease the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Who is the government? We are the government. There is nothing the government can do. What can the government do?” she lamented.
According to her, the increase in gas prices is only one of several challenges confronting families. She pointed to rising house rents, insecurity, and the high cost of living.
“Before, we paid N5,000 monthly for a single room, amounting to N60,000 a year. Today, that same room costs N15,000 monthly, which is N180,000 yearly. You can hardly find a room for N100,000 now,” she said.
We Have Adapted to Constant Price Hikes
In Lagos, Adeola Olajide, a real estate agent based in Iba, said the latest increase caught her off guard, even though Nigerians have become accustomed to frequent price hikes.
“I don’t cook often because I usually buy food outside. But last week, when I bought gas and discovered it was N2,000 per kilogram, I was shocked. Last year, I filled gas for about N1,000 per kilogram.”
Despite her surprise, Adeola said many Nigerians have developed a survival mentality.
“As Nigeria is now, if I hear gas has increased to N5,000 per kilogram tomorrow, I won’t even be surprised. We adapt to anything,” she said.
Families Cut Meals and Switch to Charcoal
For larger families, the impact is even more severe.
Mrs. Celestina, a government school teacher in Ifo, Ogun State, described the situation as devastating.
She recalled when a 12.5-kilogram cylinder of gas sold for between N6,000 and N9,000, compared to between N23,000 and N26,000 today.
“The recent surge in the price of cooking gas is a serious matter that needs urgent intervention,” she said.
To stretch her gas supply, she now cooks with gas only once a day and relies on charcoal stoves for meals that require longer cooking times.
“As it stands now, I only cook with gas once a day when cooking food like Indomie, spaghetti, boiling of water, as far as it doesn’t consume gas and timing…
But as for other foods like beans, corn and co, I have diverse other means by using charcoal stoves. Though it’s time consuming, frustrating and have some respiratory issues, and there’s nothing one can do than just to support it with the cooking gas for it to last a bit longer,” she explained.
The consequences extend beyond household finances. According to Celestina, the rising cost of cooking fuel has altered her family’s diet.
“It has affected my household’s nutritional value, yes! My children eat beans almost four times a week but now it’s once a week and I really feel sad about it because we are lovers of beans.”
Experts have long warned that rising energy costs can affect food security and nutrition, especially among low-income families who may abandon foods requiring lengthy cooking times.
Households Struggle to Balance Budgets
For Miss Adesuwa, a financial advisor at Leadway Assurance Company and communications officer at The Seraph Public Relations and Media in Lagos, the increase has forced many households to constantly adjust their budgets.
“Having to cut down on other essential expenses because the price of cooking gas keeps increasing is really frustrating. Cooking gas is a basic household necessity, but it is gradually becoming unaffordable for many families,” she said.
She recounted a recent encounter that highlighted the growing reality facing many Nigerians.
“I jokingly asked someone why they were cooking with firewood. The person replied that gas had become too expensive to use for cooking something like beans. It sounded funny at first, but it reflects what many families are experiencing.”
According to her, access to affordable cooking energy should not be a struggle for ordinary citizens.
“It is exhausting and excruciating because this isn’t a luxury; it’s something people need every day,” she added.
Vulnerable Households Hit Hardest
The burden is particularly heavy on vulnerable groups such as widows and single-income earners.
Mrs. Akintunde, a private school teacher in Ogun State, said she has yet to recover from the impact of rising gas prices.
“I only cook once a day now. At other times, I give my children bread and tea when they are hungry,” she said.
A widow, Akintunde, explained that she previously purchased between five and six kilograms of gas monthly but can now only afford one or two kilograms due to competing household expenses.
“I pray that a reduction in price happens soon,” she said.
Varying Price Hikes Create Tough Choices
Another private school teacher Mrs Christopher from Ogun State lamented how resorting to the use of firewood can be challenging.
“It is really really bad. Even in my area it is sold at the rate of N2,500 for a kg. And you know for someone who cannot work with firewood . . . what time do I have to spend using firewood in the morning . . . ?
It is not easy . . . imagine only 1kg sold at the rate of N2,500. So how much do you think I want to buy in a month, and how much am I earning to be able to afford just cooking gas for a month? It is outrageous,” she said.
Health Concerns over Shift to Firewood
As more Nigerians return to charcoal and firewood, health experts warn of increased exposure to indoor air pollution, which is linked to respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation.
While stakeholders continue to advocate for policies that will encourage domestic gas production and reduce distribution costs, many households remain trapped between shrinking incomes and rising energy prices.
For families already struggling to make ends meet, the growing cost of cooking gas is more than an economic statistic; it is a daily challenge shaping what they eat, how they cook, and how they survive.
