Demand for cooking gas, charcoal increase in Nakuru town

The number of motorbikes ferrying charcoal in Nakuru’s Racetrack estate has doubled as charcoal dealers record a booming business due to increased demand.

A charcoal dealer in the estate told Nation that she used to receive about eight bags of charcoal weekly.

However, since the curfew was announced and travel restrictions to and from Nairobi imposed due to coronavirus pandemic, the demand for the charcoal and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has increased.

INCREASED DEMAND

“There is an increased demand for charcoal as many people fear an imminent lockdown. Before, most of my customers used to buy a 2kg tin of charcoal but today, many people buy between two to three bags of charcoal,” said Ms Florence Michieka.

She said a 2kg tin which was selling at Sh35 at the beginning of last month is now sold at Sh60 while a 20kg bucket now goes for Sh250 from Sh200.

Ms Michieka added that with schools closed and children spending most of the time at home, the demand for charcoal has increased.

Mr Jack Wamae, a charcoal dealer, said the business has picked up in the past few weeks.

HIGH DEMAND

“There is high demand and charcoal burners in Mau Narok are now buying trees from farmers as their usual tree stumps in the forest are not adequate to meet the high demand from charcoal traders Nakuru town,” said Mr Wamae.

Mr Wamae said many boda-boda operators have been taking advantage of lack of police checks on the main road to transport more charcoal.

Another trader at Lake View estate said that the demand for charcoal is usually high in April due to cold weather.

 “I have never seen my clients buy bags of charcoal but since the coronavirus pandemic fears gripped the country, many clients have placed orders and this has made me make good money,” said the trader.

A cooking gas dealer said that there has been an increased demand of LPG as many customers are now placing double orders for 6kg gas cylinders.

 “Once we receive our consignment, it hardly takes two days before it is cleared by clients who stock the gas cylinders in their houses,” said a pump attendant at a petrol station on Nakuru’s Kanu Street.