Rising cooking gas and kerosene prices have driven a massive surge in charcoal and firewood sales as millions of households seek affordable energy alternatives.

stabilise prices, improve distribution networks, and ensure that cooking gas remained accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

Also, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr Auwal Musa, recommended that the federal government should prioritise policies that encourage increased domestic production, processing, and utilisation of gas to reduce excessive dependence on imports and foreign exchange fluctuations.

He called on relevant authorities to assess existing taxes and charges across the LPG value chain with a view to reducing unnecessary costs that were ultimately transferred to consumers.

Musa said regulatory agencies should closely monitor the LPG market to prevent price manipulation, anti-competitive practices, and artificial scarcity.

He urged government to explore targeted social protection measures and clean energy support programmes for low-income households to ensure continued access to affordable cooking energy.

“Increased investment in storage facilities, transportation networks, and distribution infrastructure is critical to improving supply efficiency and reducing logistics costs.

“Supporting local manufacturing of cylinders and related equipment will reduce costs, create jobs, and improve access to LPG nationwide.

“Government should accelerate the implementation of policies aimed at expanding access to affordable clean cooking solutions in line with national development goals and international climate commitments

“The welfare of citizens must remain at the centre of energy policy decisions, especially at a time when many Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic hardship,” he said.

The bustling trade serves as a stark reminder that while cleaner energy remained the goal, affordability ultimately determines the choices many Nigerians made.

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Until cleaner cooking fuels become financially accessible to the average household, observers say firewood and charcoal traders are likely to remain among the biggest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s growing energy affordability crisis. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo