Koforidua, Aug. 29, GNA – The shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in recent times has led to an increase in the demand for charcoal in the Koforidua market, a survey GNA conducted has shown.

A maximum bag of charcoal that sold at 12 Ghana cedis four months ago now sells at 17 Ghana cedis while the same bag of charcoal from the Afram Plains cost 19 Ghana cedis.

The mini-bag of charcoal that sold at seven Ghana cedis now sells at 12 Ghana cedis.

Speaking at the GNA Ms Linda Ansah, a charcoal seller at the market, said during normal times she could sell 10 bags of charcoal on market days and on ordinary days she could sell between four to five bags.

She said due to the shortage of the LPG, demand has increased and she could sell 25 bags of charcoal on market days and could sell between 10 to 15 bags on ordinary days.

The Eastern Regional Forest Manager of the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Mr Attah Owusu, called for a policy to stop vehicle owners from converting their vehicles from the use of diesel or petrol to LPG to reduce the demand for LPG.

He said if the current demand for LPG continues to go upwards, it is likely to push the demand for charcoal and firewood upwards, leading to illegal felling of trees for production of firewood and charcoal and this would have a negative effect on the environment.