Well I kinda agree with him too.
I have two to three means of cooking
The gas tank is there
I also got a charcoal stove
And a hot plate.
Depending on how tight my monthly budget is I can switch to either of this
The charcoal stove burns without emmiting gasses (smoke ) like that of your friend , hence it is eco-friendly.
We just have to find very good means to cut down cost