According to a new report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerians in nine states have spent a total of N312.27 billion on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.
The report, part of the 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey, reveals changing energy consumption patterns in Nigeria, highlighting the reliance on LPG, fuelwood, charcoal, and other sources for cooking and heating.
The survey examined energy use across 7,706 households in nine states, providing insights into the utilization of LPG, fuelwood, electricity, and more.
States included in the survey are Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto, ensuring representation from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Data collection occurred over 17 days, from April 19 to May 5, 2024, using systematic sampling techniques. The findings reflect energy consumption and expenditures over the 30 days preceding the survey.
Key results show that 19.4% of households reported using LPG in the last month, with the average household spending about N10,239.7 on it. Sokoto State had the highest average monthly expenditure at N12,439.3, followed by Enugu at N11,852.2. Ekiti had the lowest at N8,213.5.
Despite the increase in LPG usage, traditional fuels remain prevalent. Fuelwood was reported by 67.8% of households for various purposes, particularly in states like Bauchi and Sokoto. The survey estimates total annual spending on fuelwood at N608.72 billion, with average household costs at N117,347.
Charcoal is also widely used, with 22% of households relying on it for cooking, although only 0.3% engage in its production, mainly in Kwara and Ekiti.
Electricity access is crucial, with 58.2% of households connected to the national grid, and Ekiti leading with 79.7% access. However, 85.2% of these households face estimated billing, while only 14.8% have pre-paid meters.
Solar energy is on the rise, with 4.8% of households using solar home systems or mini-grids. Additionally, 4.8% rely on diesel or petrol generators, with an average fuel purchase of 7.38 litres per month.
The NBS launched the 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey during a press briefing on Wednesday. Statistician General Prince Adeyemi Adeniran emphasized the importance of reliable and affordable energy for economic growth and the need for insights to support policymakers in addressing rising energy demand and accessibility challenges.
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