In Enugu, the rising cost of cooking gas is forcing residents to revert to traditional charcoal, dramatically impacting local gas sellers. Many businesses report a steep decline in sales, with some sellers noting that their weekly cylinder refills have plummeted from six to just one. The shift highlights a growing concern over affordability as economic pressures continue to mount.
“Business is no longer what it used to be,” said Chinedu Okafor, a local gas distributor. “Demand has dropped sharply because of the high price of gas.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community, where families are turning to cheaper, albeit less efficient, charcoal as an alternative fuel source. Such changes not only affect the livelihoods of gas sellers but also pose environmental concerns due to increased deforestation for charcoal production.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are urging the government to intervene by regulating gas prices or providing subsidies to ease the burden on consumers. Without action, the trend of abandoning cleaner energy sources could continue, undermining efforts to promote sustainable cooking practices in Nigeria. The future of the cooking gas market in Enugu remains uncertain as families grapple with the dual challenges of cost and accessibility.