Παρασκευή 29.03.2024 ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑ

Increased demand for firewood - prices rising

firewood
30 Σεπτεμβρίου 2022 / 10:33

CORFU. Firewood prices are higher than last year and stocks are low.

People in Corfu are looking for cheap forms of heating this winter, due to the energy crisis - the cost of electricity has risen and the price of heating oil is also expected to be high.

The demand for firewood has recently grown and orders have been pouring in. Firewood traders told Enimerosi that people need to hurry as stocks are running low. The demand has led to a 10-15%  increase in prices, which are now at €130-135 per ton.

Orders began at the beginning of September with consumers looking for a cheaper means of heating, which has become a serious problem for households. However, due to the general cost of living, traders say that people are unable to purchase all the wood they require for the winter.

Wood pellets no longer seem a viable solution with prices now ranging from €700 to €750 per ton.

30% increase in demand for fireplaces

Not only has there been an increase in demand for firewood, but there has also been a 30% increase in demand for fireplaces. Energy price rises have led to many taking measures early ahead of the winter. "The orders for energy fireplaces began in May and June," says Vassilis Bithavas, owner of a fireplace business. "There has been a 30% increase." He said that there has also been a 10-15% increase in the prices of these fireplaces, with the cost now ranging from €1,000 το €6,000.

Cap on firewood, pellets and solid fuel

The Development Ministry has presented an amendment in Parliament to cap profits from the sale of firewood, wood pellets and other solid fuel used for heating, which was to be voted on yesterday.

The measure, which will be in force until 31 December, forbids gross profit from the sale of all types of solid fuel for heating which is greater than the corresponding gross profit limit on 1/11/2021.

Businesses selling firewood are also obliged to declare to the authorities what stocks of firewood, pellets, firebricks and kindling they have in order to prevent the creation of artificial shortages.