Charcoal traders in Ebonyi State are experiencing a rise in demand as many residents turn to alternative cooking fuels due to the increasing cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas.
A market survey in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, revealed that charcoal businesses have recorded improved sales in recent months as households seek cheaper energy options amid rising living costs.
Some charcoal dealers at the Abakaliki International Market said the increase in cooking gas prices has forced many families to return to charcoal stoves and other traditional cooking methods.
Josephine Onoh, a charcoal seller at the market, explained that a paint bucket of charcoal currently sells between ₦1,500 and ₦1,600, while smaller quantities packaged in nylon bags cost between ₦500 and ₦600.
She noted that the growing demand has positively affected charcoal sellers, leading to increased customer traffic and better earnings.
Residents who spoke on the development said the cost of cooking gas has become difficult to manage. Judith Nwankpu, an Abakaliki resident, said she had stopped using cooking gas due to the rising prices and now depends on charcoal for household cooking.
Nwankpu appealed to relevant authorities to intervene and address the continuous increase in the prices of cooking gas and other household energy sources.
Customers at a gas station along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway also expressed concerns over the rising cost of LPG.
Dennis Oyibe, a customer, said the price of cooking gas had increased significantly, noting that one kilogramme of gas now sells for about ₦1,800, compared to the previous price of about ₦1,200.
According to him, the situation has left many households considering alternatives such as charcoal and firewood.
Another resident, Ifeyinwa Nwafor, said cooking gas prices had continued to rise since May, worsening in June. She added that many families had returned to using charcoal stoves despite concerns about the environmental impact.
Nwafor called on the government and relevant agencies to take urgent steps to stabilise energy prices and reduce the pressure on households.
The increase in charcoal demand highlights the impact of rising cooking gas prices on household energy choices in Ebonyi State.
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