The increase in natural gas and electricity prices was also reflected in wood prices
In the face of rising natural gas and electricity prices, the price of wood, which is an option that has emerged to meet the energy needs, has also rise up.
After the economic sanctions imposed due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia's cutting off its natural gas supply to Europe prompted the people of Greece to seek alternative heating options.
In the face of rising natural gas and electricity prices in Greece, the price of wood, an option that emerged to meet the energy needs, also started to rise.
While wood prices in the country varied by region, they increased by 30 to 70 percent.
While there was a partial increase in wood prices in big cities where the transition to the use of stoves and fireplaces is difficult in terms of infrastructure and where diesel, natural gas or electricity is used as a heating tool, the demand for wood has increased more in the cold parts of Greece such as the countryside and the north.
"BULGARIA REDUCE ITS WOOD EXPORT"
Ahmet Yuksel, a wood seller from Komotini, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that countries that supply wood to Greece, such as Bulgaria, have also reduced the supply due to the concerns arising from the energy crisis and the increasing demand.
Stating that the decrease in supply was effective in the price increase, Yüksel noted that another reason for the increase was the increase in the demand for wood and pellets across European countries due to the concern that there might be a heating problem.
"DEMAND RISE ESPECIALLY IN VILLAGES"
Expressing that the demand is high especially in the villages, Yüksel said, "Wood prices have increased, almost doubled. We are selling 1 cubic meter of wood, which we sold for 70 euros last year, for 125 euros this year." he said.
Yüksel also evaluated that citizens may turn to diesel fuel due to the government's incentive package during the year.
STOVE COSTS HAVE ALSO RISE
Stove manufacturer Erkan Topçu in Western Thrace, one of the cold regions of Greece, also stated that the demand for wood, pellets and stoves has increased due to the price increases observed in natural gas, diesel and electricity in the last two years.
Topçu said, "When the heater is lit, all the rooms are heated, so there is a higher cost. When the stove is lit, the heating cost can be kept low by heating a single room." he said.
Pointing to the increase in iron prices around the world, Topçu said that for this reason, stove costs have increased.
"NATURAL GAS PRICE INCREASED 10 TIMES COMPARED TWO YEARS AGO"
Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis, at the press conference held on September 11 as part of the International Thessaloniki Fair, stated that the government will implement support programs to combat the energy crisis, "There is a big problem in natural gas. Prices have increased 10 times (increased) compared to two years ago." had used the phrase.
