Cooking Gas Price Hits N1,800 per Kg in Oyo, Residents Turn to Charcoal and Firewood

The price of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has surged to an all-time high in Oyo State, forcing many households to seek alternative and often less environmentally friendly energy sources.

Currently, the price of LPG ranges between ₦1,500 and ₦1,800 per kilogram, depending on the area and retailer. This marks a significant spike compared to earlier in the year, when the product was sold at less than ₦1,000 per kilogram in most locations.

The sharp increase in cooking gas prices has left many residents struggling to keep up with daily cooking needs. As a result, a growing number of households are now resorting to cheaper alternatives such as charcoal, firewood, and even kerosene stoves — a shift that not only reflects rising economic hardship but also raises environmental and public health concerns.

Local gas retailers in the state attribute the persistent rise in prices to several interlinked factors. Chief among them are the instability in foreign exchange rates, high importation costs, and intermittent supply shortages affecting distribution across the country.

The situation has added to the economic pressure already facing many Nigerian families, especially amid inflation, stagnant wages, and rising costs of other basic commodities.

Residents are calling on the Federal Government to intervene by stabilizing the forex market, encouraging local gas production, and ensuring steady supply through policy and regulatory support.

As the festive season approaches — a time when cooking gas demand typically spikes — concerns are growing that prices may rise even further, putting additional strain on household budgets.