By Nneka Nwogwugwu
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has revealed that the high cost of cooking gas has made some residents in Nigeria’s South-south to use firewood and charcoal for cooking.
The survey showed that 1 kilogramme of gas is now sold for N900 as against N700, while 12.5 kilogrammes is now N11, 250.
A resident of Calabar, Eno Akan, says she now buys firewood in bundles from the Beach Market in the Cross River capital because of the high cost of cooking gas.
According to Mrs Akan, the harsh economic situation in the country has brought hardship to her household, hence she now goes for what is cheaper and affordable.
A firewood dealer at Beach Market, Samuel Bassey, said that most eateries as well as individuals in Calabar were now patronising him.
Mr Bassey, however, said that the patronage for firewood was far higher than that of charcoal.
“Due to the increase in the price of gas, we have been experiencing a boom in the sale of firewood. As we speak, I just got a call to supply 50 bundles of firewood to an eatery in Calabar,” he said.
However, a housewife, Theresa Odum, told NAN that in spite of the high cost of gas, she still preferred using it in cooking her meals.
“I can’t stand the smoke that comes from firewood. Moreover, there is no space in my house for a firewood setting for cooking,” Mrs Odum said.
