The residents and small business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are increasingly resorting to charcoal and firewood as the price of cooking gas continues to skyrocket across Abuja.

The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has increased from about N1,200 per kilogram in recent months to as high as N2,000 per kilogram, placing significant pressure on households and food vendors.

Industry operators attribute the hike to supply constraints, foreign exchange challenges, rising depot charges, and increased transportation costs.

Findings show that many residents have either reduced their consumption of cooking gas or completely switched to cheaper alternatives, despite concerns over convenience and efficiency.

Food vendors say the situation has affected their profit margins, forcing some to adjust their operations in order to remain in business.

Gas vendors across parts of Abuja report a drop in patronage, as customers now purchase smaller quantities or avoid refilling cylinders due to high prices.

Meanwhile, charcoal and firewood sellers have recorded a surge in demand, driven by the growing shift away from cooking gas. This increased demand has also pushed up the prices of the alternatives.

Stakeholders have called for government intervention to stabilise LPG prices, warning that the persistent increase could worsen living conditions and deepen the cost-of-living burden in the FCT.

[NAN]