A market survey has revealed that charcoal has become the preferred choice for cooking by residents of Enugu State due to its affordability, despite a rise in price.
With the economic crisis becoming more severe, residents have ditched Kerosene and resorted to using charcoal stoves for cooking, following the surge in kerosene prices.
The survey revealed that despite the price of Charcoal being high, that of Kerosene is higher.
Charcoal sellers in various markets, including Garki, Mayor, and Achara Layout, report a significant increase in patronage, the survey revealed.
According to Grace Umeh, a charcoal seller, a sack of charcoal, which lasts for two months, is a more cost-effective option than kerosene, which costs over N20,000 per month for an average family.
Buyers said they have made savings since switching to charcoal.
Gilbert Nnamdi, a father of four, revealed this while praising the efficiency of his new charcoal stove.
“With only N200 charcoal my wife can cook a pot of soup and a pot of rice for the family no matter the quantity of the food. This new charcoal stove does not take time to catch fire and does not bring out smoke while cooking with it,” he said.
Food vendors are also turning to charcoal due to the high cost of kerosene and cooking gas. Restaurant owner Ijeoma Dim noted that charcoal has become the go-to option, while Ofor Anyawu called on the government to make all cooking energy sources affordable and available, especially during economic challenges.
