Nigerian households turn to biofuel as cooking gas becomes increasingly unaffordable

As inflation surges and traditional cooking gas prices become prohibitive for many in Nigeria, bioethanol is gaining traction as a cost-effective and renewable substitute.

According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, inflation in Africa’s largest economy has soared above 27% in the past year, making regular cooking gas unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.

Adeyemi, among many, welcomes the relief from high costs, opting for biofuel, which costs just over $1 per litre compared to approximately $1.25 for a kilogram of gas. Users note that biofuel offers increased efficiency, allowing for more cooking at a lower cost.

Besides being cost-effective, bioethanol gel provides a cleaner cooking alternative. Experts say biofuel significantly reduces harmful emissions in households where exposure to wood smoke and other polluting fuels poses health risks.

The World Health Organization reports that over 93,000 women in Nigeria die annually due to diseases linked to domestic air pollution. By releasing significantly fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere than traditional fuels, bioethanol gel addresses financial concerns and mitigates health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

“It doesn’t darken your pot when you are using it, you feel comfortable, and you don’t even need to stress. Even the smell, the odour it brings out, you’ll love your cooking,” shared 43-year-old Adeyemi, emphasizing the enhanced cooking experience with bioethanol.

Moreover, the transition to bioethanol for cooking could have a substantial environmental impact in Nigeria. The United Nations estimates a potential annual reduction of over four million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions if all households adopt bioethanol.