Enugu residents are increasingly turning to charcoal stoves for cooking as the cost of kerosene skyrockets, reaching between N1,350 and N1,600 per litre in the market.
According to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, many households have abandoned their kerosene stoves in favor of charcoal due to its more affordable price.
Grace Umeh, a charcoal seller at Garki Market, noted that despite the rise in charcoal prices from N5,000 to N8,000 per sack, demand has remained high. She attributed this trend to the significant cost savings families experience by using charcoal instead of kerosene.
Umeh explained, “An average family of five could use up to 20 litres of kerosene in a month for cooking. So, the family spends over N20,000 on kerosene in a month. On the other hand, a bag of charcoal will last for two months, no matter the pressure of use, for the same size of family.”
Another charcoal seller, Oby Okafor, operating at Mayor Market, affirmed that families were purchasing charcoal in larger quantities due to the prohibitive costs of kerosene and other energy sources. She described the business as consistently profitable in recent times.
Christiana Ozor, a charcoal dealer at Achara Layout, highlighted that her sales have more than doubled, now exceeding two bags of charcoal per day due to increased patronage.
Residents who have made the switch to charcoal shared their experiences, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of charcoal stoves. Gilbert Nnamdi, a father of four, stated, “With only N200 charcoal, my wife can cook a pot of soup and a pot of rice for the family no matter the quantity of the food.” He praised the new charcoal stoves for their quick ignition and minimal smoke emission compared to traditional methods.
Concerns over rising kerosene prices have also prompted food vendors, like restaurant owner Ms. Ijeoma Dim, to adopt charcoal as their primary cooking fuel. Dim explained that the escalating costs of kerosene and cooking gas have made charcoal a more viable option for business operations.
Ofor Anyawu, addressing the broader impact, noted that charcoal sellers are thriving amidst the challenges faced by other energy sources. He urged the government to prioritize affordability and availability of all cooking energy sources to alleviate the economic burden on residents.
As Enugu residents struggle with the economic hardships and high energy costs, the shift towards charcoal stoves demonstrates a practical response to ensure continued access to affordable cooking solutions.