Hardship: Residents Turn To Charcoal Stoves as Kerosene Price Soars

• Enugu residents are switching from kerosene to charcoal stoves due to rising kerosene prices, which have reached N1,350-N1,600 per liter
• Charcoal, despite its price increase from N5,000 to N8,000 per sack, remains a more economical option, lasting up to two months

As the price of kerosene continues to rise, many residents of Enugu are abandoning their kerosene stoves in favour of more affordable charcoal stoves. The current cost of kerosene has soared to between N1,350 and N1,600 per litre, prompting a shift in cooking methods among the populace.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent conducted a market survey in Enugu and found that charcoal has become a preferred alternative due to its lower cost. Grace Umeh, a charcoal seller at Garki Market, noted that despite the price of a sack of charcoal increasing from N5,000 to N8,000, customer demand has surged.

Umeh explained that an average family of five typically uses up to 20 litres of kerosene per month, spending over N20,000. In contrast, a single bag of charcoal can last for two months, providing a more economical option for the same family.

Similarly, Oby Okafor, a seller at Mayor Market, observed that families purchase charcoal in larger quantities due to the high cost of kerosene and other energy sources. Okafor remarked, “We have continued to experience good and profitable business for some time now in this charcoal business.”

Christiana Ozor, a charcoal dealer at Achara Layout, reported that increased patronage has allowed her to sell more than two bags of charcoal daily.

Buyers like Gilbert Nnamdi, a father of four, have found significant savings using charcoal. Nnamdi shared that with just N200 worth of charcoal, his wife can cook a pot of soup and rice for the family. He praised the efficiency of the new charcoal stove, which ignites quickly and produces minimal smoke.

Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, switched to charcoal when kerosene prices hit N900 per liter. She expressed a preference for charcoal over cooking gas due to safety concerns.

Food vendors also turn to charcoal as kerosene, making cooking gas prices unaffordable. Restaurant owner Ijeoma Dim highlighted that the increased costs of other cooking fuels have made charcoal a more attractive option. Mr. Ofor Anyawu added that charcoal sellers now benefit from the price hikes in other energy sources.

Anyawu called on the government to ensure that all cooking energy sources are affordable and accessible to the masses, particularly given the country’s current economic challenges.