Charcoal Prices Rise Sharply in Kano, Leaving Residents in Worry
The prices of charcoal have skyrocketed in Kano, leaving many residents concerned about the affordability of the commodity. Interviews with residents and traders have revealed that the price of a big bag of charcoal, which previously sold for N4,000, now goes for N6,500.
Aisha Isa, a housewife, lamented that finding N50 charcoal in the city has become extremely difficult, with the cheapest quantity selling for N150. She urged the government to subsidize cooking gas to make it more affordable for Nigerians.
Another resident, Baba Jibril, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current price of charcoal, stating that it has become unaffordable for him. He is considering reverting to firewood, but noted that it is also expensive.
The high demand for charcoal has been attributed to the increase in the cost of kerosene and cooking gas. A charcoal dealer in Sabon-gari, Rabiu Abdullahi, stated that the commodity’s price rose from N4,500 to N6,700 per sack, citing the high cost of transportation as the main factor.
Abdullahi pointed out that a family can spend between N16,000 and N20,000 on kerosene per month, while a bag of charcoal can last for at least two months, regardless of usage. Another trader, Nura Garba, attributed the current price rise to the high transportation cost and insecurity.
Despite the challenges faced by residents, the high demand for charcoal has turned out to be a profitable business venture for some traders. Garba said that his business has been experiencing an increase in demand, with most families buying the commodity in large quantities due to the high cost of kerosene and other energy sources.
It remains to be seen how the rising prices of charcoal will affect the daily lives of Kano residents, who rely heavily on the commodity for cooking and energy needs.
