Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: High energy prices drive demand for wood in the north-east

In view of the increased prices for gas and oil, many people seem to want to use their stoves more.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: High energy prices drive demand for wood in the north-east

In view of the increased prices for gas and oil, many people seem to want to use their stoves more. The demand for firewood has skyrocketed in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the first half of the year.

Schwerin (dpa/mv) - The forestry industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is experiencing an unusually high demand for firewood as a result of the rise in energy prices. By the middle of the year, as much had been sold as usual in a year, an employee of the state forests told the German Press Agency. The supply is not yet exhausted, because there is a buffer here. However, the raw material is finite.

A timber dealer also confirms the high demand. There is usually a summer slump when it comes to selling firewood. But now the warehouses have already run empty. Replenishment supplies this company with its own drying plant. With this system, it only takes a week or two to get supplies ready for sale. One to three years is usual. But here, too, one is dependent on supplies from the forest.

According to the state forest authority, simply reacting to high demand with more production is not that easy. However, there are forest areas in the country that are available for management, but so far it has not made any financial sense for them. The costs exceeded the possible proceeds. Should the market price for firewood rise, use would also be possible here, it said.