The European energy crisis has forced many residents to turn to cheaper heat sources such as wood as the cold weather approaches. But as more and more people stock up on firewood and wood pellets, their prices skyrocket, and criminals rush to warm their hands on this difficult situation. It is reported by the Associated Press.
So, according to the forest service of Hesse, a land in the central part of Germany, recently firewood is often ordered by people who have never done this before and do not know that they need to be bought two years in advance in order to have time to dry enough for burning in wood-burning stoves. In addition, more and more people are collecting deadwood in the forests, often without knowing that it is illegal.
The Czech state forests, which only sell firewood for household consumption, have been forced to limit the amount of firewood sold to private individuals to discourage speculators.
In Poland, the demand for small woodfuel increased by 46% by the end of August, and for large firewood by 42% compared to last year. This happened even before the onset of autumn, when the demand for firewood is the highest. And Michal Gzowski, a spokesman for Poland’s state forest service, said firewood theft is also on the rise.
Austrian police have warned of a significant increase in the number of scammers allegedly selling firewood and wood pellets over the Internet.
In the UK, firewood prices are also on the rise. For example, kiln-dried hardwood costs 15-20% more than last year, and could rise even more if it gets colder. In Denmark, the demand for wood stoves is growing along with the demand for firewood. The Danish trade website DBA reported that demand for wood pellets has increased by more than 1300% over the past year.
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