The price of charcoal in Kano has surged, causing concern among residents who rely on it for cooking and energy needs.
The recent increase has made the previously affordable commodity out of reach for many, who are struggling to manage their daily activities.
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In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, residents expressed frustration over the price hike, which has disrupted their cooking routines.
Mrs. Aisha Isa, a housewife, said that a large bag of charcoal that used to cost N4,000 now sells for N6,500.
“It’s almost impossible to find N50 worth of charcoal anywhere in Kano now,” Isa said. “The smallest amount you can get is N150, which is difficult for many people to afford.”
Another resident, Mrs. Agnes John, noted that charcoal is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
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She suggested that the government consider subsidizing cooking gas to provide a more affordable alternative.
Mr. Baba Jibril, affected by the price increase, is considering switching from charcoal to firewood despite its rising costs.
“The price of a bag of charcoal now ranges between N6,500 and N7,000,” Jibril said. “It’s getting out of hand, and I might have to revert to using firewood, even though that too is becoming expensive.”
Food vendors, such as Hauwa Adamu, have also been impacted, as high costs of kerosene and cooking gas lead many to rely on charcoal.
Charcoal dealers like Rabiu Abdullahi on France Road in Sabon-gari attribute the price increase to high transportaction costs. Despite this, Abdullahi noted that charcoal remains a more economical option than kerosene and cooking gas.
“A family can spend between N16,000 and N20,000 on kerosene per month, but a single bag of charcoal can last at least two months,” Abdullahi said.
Nura Garba, another trader at Dakata, linked the rising costs to transportation challenges and regional insecurity. He observed that the high demand for charcoal has turned it into a profitable business, with traders now selling more than two bags daily.