Why Cooking with Gas is Cheaper than Using Firewood or Kerosene
Cooking is an essential part of daily life. Whether feeding families or running food businesses, everyone needs a reliable and affordable cooking method. In Nigeria, many still depend on firewood, kerosene, or charcoal as cost-effective alternatives for cooking but are far more costly in the long run due to health risks, time inefficiencies, and environmental damage.
According to the International Energy Agency, over 120 million Nigerians use firewood for cooking - a figure that contributes to 5% of deaths caused by smoke-related air pollution among women and children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. These burning materials produce harmful smoke that leads to serious health issues – particularly for women and children who are most exposed to these pollutants. The heavy smoke fills kitchens, stains pots, and pollutes indoor air, which causes a heightened risk of health complications and respiratory problems like coughing, chest pain, and lung diseases.
Kerosene stoves, though slightly cleaner, still release harmful pollutants and burn quickly, adding to health concerns. Cooking with gas, on the other hand, eliminates smoke and soot, creating a cleaner and safer kitchen environment. Families who use gas experience fewer respiratory infections and overall better health.
Why Gas?
A common misconception is that cooking with gas is more expensive than using firewood or kerosene. While gas requires an initial investment in a cylinder and stove, it proves cost-effective over time. A cylinder of gas can last for weeks, depending on usage, while firewood and kerosene need frequent replenishment. For food vendors, gas offers faster cooking times, enabling them to serve more customers, increase profits, and expand their businesses.
Gas is better for your health
Additionally, using gas reduces the hidden costs of firewood and kerosene, such as healthcare expenses from smoke-related illnesses, time lost to slower cooking, and the wear and tear on pots and kitchen spaces caused by soot.
Reliance on firewood contributes to deforestation, leading to soil erosion, loss of shade, and increased air pollution, as trees chopped to meet the demand for firewood play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and maintaining ecological balance. Cutting them for firewood exacerbates climate change and heightens the risk of environmental disasters like flooding.
Gas is better for our environment
Kerosene and firewood smoke release harmful gases that worsen air quality and contribute to global warming. Nigeria’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 includes reducing reliance on these fuels. Gas burns cleanly, producing minimal smoke and helping to protect the environment while conserving natural resources for future generations.
Gas is easy to maintain
Gas is increasingly available across Nigeria, from urban centers to small towns. Refilling cylinders has become more convenient, with gas stations and local vendors offering reliable services. Gas also ensures faster cooking, saving time for families and businesses alike. For food vendors, it maintains a clean and professional cooking environment, which can attract more customers.
Cooking with gas for a healthier Nigeria
Switching to gas is about more than just cost savings. It’s an investment in better health, a cleaner environment, and greater efficiency. By transitioning from firewood and kerosene to gas, Nigerian households and businesses can enjoy a higher quality of life while contributing to a sustainable future.
Cooking with gas isn’t just a personal improvement—it’s a collective step toward a healthier, greener Nigeria. Whether you’re a market woman, a food vendor, or a family in a rural area, gas is the smarter, safer, and more economical choice. Make the switch today and experience the benefits firsthand.
[Sponsored]
Source: Legit.ng
