Demand for firewood increasing ahead of winter

Luxembourg suppliers have observed what they deem a "toilet roll effect" with demand for firewood recently, with some predicting issues ahead as supplies are limited - at least for the next few months. An unexpected boom for Luxembourg's producers.

Firewood is therefore becoming a rare commodity, says Winfried von Loe of the Grand Duchy's foresters' association (Groupement des Sylviculteurs), which advises on the management of private forests.

"We have seen more demands at a much earlier stage this year, due to the discussions around the heating and energy crisis."

Firewood orders are usually placed in September for the upcoming winter season, but this year, prices on the market soared by 50-100% as early as August due to exceptionally high demand. In general, buying directly from local dealers is recommended, but this year, things are different, says von Loe:
"For 2023's firewood, the supplies are already on hand in barns. These can't be multiplied due to the time it takes to prepare. Beech wood has to dry for at least two years, oak takes three years - we can't sell the wood cut this year until the year after next. Many firewood suppliers will have to adapt to demand and increase the amount of wood available, but this crisis will still be present next year."

Although firewood supplies may be scarce in Luxembourg this year, no one should go cold this winter. The Groupement says this is a positive development:

"Compared to oil, firewood has always been undervalued. So from a forest owner's point of view, it's not necessarily a bad thing that prices are rising, even if it means customers have to reach deeper into their pockets."

Video report in Luxembourgish: