Residents adapt as kerosene becomes scarce in Nasarawa

Some residents of Ado, Nasarawa State, say kerosene is becoming scarce at fuel stations, prompting a gradual shift to alternative cooking options like gas, charcoal, and electricity for daily use.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, residents noted the product was less available and affordable for the average household, especially in areas like One Man Village.

Mr Audu Bashir, a fuel attendant at Matrix Fuel Station, said kerosene was being sold for N1,310 per litre, adding that supply was irregular and profit margins remained very low.

He explained many stations no longer stock kerosene because demand had dropped.

“Most people now use gas. We still sell it for customers who rely on it for business,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Muhammad Nuhu, a local retailer, who sells kerosene at N1,800 per litre, noted that the shift to alternative fuels like LPG, charcoal, and electric cookers had reduced daily demand.

He said fewer homes now use kerosene stoves.

“I sell it at N2,000 per litre, but demand is low. It’s no longer profitable to stock in large quantities,” Nuhu told newsmen.

Miss Esther Lucky, another fuel attendant, said it’s more efficient to sell kerosene directly to small-scale retailers than individual customers due to the changing pattern in fuel usage across households.

Mrs Genevieve Ogah, a mother of two, said she now used a mix of gas and charcoal.

“Charcoal is cheaper and lasts longer when cooking meals like beans,” she explained.

She recalled abandoning kerosene after a fire incident caused by adulterated fuel years ago.

“Since then, I rely on charcoal and gas. A N2,500 quarter bag lasts me more than a month.”

Supreme news reports that residents and sellers alike expressed hope for more consistent energy options, while encouraging others to explore safer, cost-effective alternatives as kerosene becomes less practical for everyday cooking needs.