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Some cooking gas sellers in Enugu Enugu have expressed concern over poor sales caused by the rising cost of cooking gas, revealing that many residents are now turning to charcoal because it is more affordable.
Speaking on Wednesday, the traders said the continuous increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has greatly reduced customer patronage. They appealed to the Federal Government to address the factors causing the price hike in order to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
One gas retailer, Emmanuel Okam Emmanuel Okam, described the situation as difficult, saying his sales have dropped sharply compared to previous months.
According to him, customers who previously bought five kilograms of gas now struggle to buy even two kilograms because of the high price.
“Business is no longer the same. Before now, I could refill five to six cylinders in a week, but demand has reduced greatly because gas is too expensive.
“I buy gas from suppliers at about ₦1,600 per kilogram and sell to households for around ₦1,850 per kilogram. Even at that price, many customers still cannot afford the quantity they need,” he said.
Okam added that he has reduced his profit margin in an attempt to attract more customers, but sales remain low.
“Before, I could sell about 60 kilograms in a week, but now I struggle to sell even half of that. This has affected my income and my ability to meet family and financial responsibilities,” he added.
He urged the government to work closely with gas suppliers to reduce LPG prices, noting that lower supply costs would eventually benefit consumers.
Another retailer, Ifeanyi Maduka Ifeanyi Maduka, also blamed the current economic hardship for the decline in patronage.
“Nigeria’s economic situation is affecting everyone. Gas that used to cost between ₦400 and ₦500 per kilogram has risen to over ₦1,000, while fuel prices have also increased. Everything is becoming more expensive,” he said.
Maduka explained that although customers still visit his shop, they now buy much smaller quantities because their purchasing power has reduced.
“People still come, but not as often as before because money is scarce. Gas prices are unstable, and suppliers can increase prices at any time. This affects both retailers and consumers,” he said.
He added that while some gas outlets sell for as high as ₦2,000 per kilogram, others sell between ₦1,800 and ₦1,900. His own outlet sells at ₦1,750 per kilogram.
A resident, Ukamaka Okoro Ukamaka Okoro, said the high price of gas has forced her to reduce the quantity she buys.
“I used to buy seven kilograms of cooking gas, but when I went to refill recently, I was told the price had increased to ₦1,850 per kilogram. I had no choice but to buy less. I am a secondary school teacher, and I appeal to the government to urgently help reduce the burden on low-income earners like us,” she said.
The rising cost of cooking gas continues to push many households toward cheaper alternatives such as charcoal, raising concerns about affordability and the growing cost of living.