In Tamale, residents are turning to charcoal as an alternative cooking fuel due to the increasing prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The rising costs have led to a surge in demand for charcoal, which may result in further deforestation amid growing concerns about climate change.
LPG prices have been gradually increasing in recent months, affecting various cylinder sizes. A 6 kg cylinder that was previously sold for GHC60 now costs GHC100, while the 15 kg cylinder has risen from GHC200 to GHC245.
Consumers in Tamale have shared that they are now alternating between charcoal and gas usage to cut down on costs, as charcoal is more affordable.
One said, “It’s now becoming something else because we used to fill it 200, it will take you for three or two months before you fill it again. I just came to fill it, it’s now 240gh. How much are you earning in a month? So when you begin your month’s salary, you have to take gas from your salary and other things from your salary, how much will you be left with.”
LPG vendors in the area have also expressed concerns about low patronage and have called on the government for assistance.
They note that consumers are now purchasing smaller quantities of LPG due to price hikes, and the fluctuating prices have caused dissatisfaction among customers.
“Most of the customers who have purchased their products here are complaining. Now the increments in the prices are rather going up every day. Every day prices change and it’s fluctuate, coming up, and going down. The prices are not stabilised.”
In response to the situation, consumers are urging the government to intervene and reduce LPG prices to make it more accessible and affordable.
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