Europe's energy crisis in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is prompting the continent's citizens to prepare for winter by buying - or trying to buy - humanity's oldest fuel: firewood. Wood pellet prices in France have nearly doubled to around €600 a ton, according to Bloomberg, while in August the price of firewood and pellets rose 87% in GermanyThe price of wood and pellets rose 87% in Germany in August, according to the federal statistics office. In Romania the government imposed price controls on firewood, while Hungary has banned the export of pellets. Deliveries of wood-burning stoves can take months.

According to Bloomberg, 70% of heating in Europe comes from the use of gas or electricity. The fear of not having gas or electricity this winter has led to panic buying of wood and pellets. A French marketer of wood-based products interviewed by Bloomberg noted that he has customers who have bought two tons of pellets, when less than one ton is enough for the entire winter.

The situation has raised alarms in countries such as Sweden, where it is feared that people are burning wet wood or other materials that can cause heavy particulate pollution. which can cause heavy particulate contamination.

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