Enugu residents switch to charcoal stoves amid soaring kerosene prices, now at N1,350-N1,600 per liter. Despite charcoal's cost rising to N8,000 per sack, families find it economical with a sack lasting up to two months.
In Enugu, escalating kerosene prices have spurred residents to embrace charcoal stoves as a more affordable cooking alternative. The cost of kerosene has surged to between N1,350 and N1,600 per liter, prompting households and vendors to opt for charcoal, despite its price hike to N8,000 per sack. Grace Umeh, a charcoal seller at Garki Market, noted the increased demand, explaining that families find charcoal more cost-effective, with a sack lasting up to two months compared to the high monthly expenditure on kerosene.
Oby Okafor from Mayor Market echoed this sentiment, observing a surge in bulk purchases due to the unaffordability of kerosene and other fuels. Christiana Ozor, another charcoal dealer, reported selling over two sacks daily due to heightened patronage. Users like Gilbert Nnamdi and an anonymous consumer praised the efficiency of new charcoal stoves, which reduce cooking costs significantly.
Social media reactions reflect widespread dismay over rising living costs, with calls for governmental action to alleviate the economic strain on citizens. Nigerians, like those on online forums, blame policy failures for the inflationary pressures on essential commodities like kerosene and advocate for comprehensive reforms to stabilize prices and ensure energy affordability nationwide.
