The European energy crisis, catalysed by Russia’s reduced natural gas supply amidst its conflict with Ukraine, has compelled many to pivot to more affordable heating alternatives like firewood. This shift, however, has led to a spike in firewood prices, an uptick in thefts, and the emergence of scams.

Moldova, Europe’s most economically modest nation, with aspirations leaning towards the West yet partially under Russian military influence, has endured a 30% reduction in natural gas from Gazprom, with looming threats of further cuts. The nation braces for a harsh winter, with energy costs soaring and European natural gas prices tripling from their early 2021 figures, despite a recent decrease from the peak.

The demand for firewood transcends the borders of Moldova and Ukraine, stretching into wealthier European territories, with reports from German, Polish, and Czech state-owned forests indicating a surge in demand. A notable rise in new customers, unfamiliar with the lead time required for firewood to dry, has been reported. The phenomenon is also marked by increased illicit wood collection and restrictions on sales to curb speculative buying.

Poland has witnessed a 46% rise in demand for small firewood, and the Czech state forests have imposed limits on firewood sales to individuals. In Germany, innovative measures like embedding GPS tracking devices in logs are being tested to thwart theft, an issue that has historically been present but is now exacerbated by the heightened value of firewood.

Concurrently, Austria has seen a spike in fraudulent online firewood and wood pellet sales. German authorities caution about deceptive sellers demanding advance payments. The price inflation is evident as firewood and wood pellets prices soared by over 85% in a year, with pellet heating remaining more cost-effective than natural gas, despite the prices being almost 200% higher than the previous year.

The U.K. has not been spared from the price hikes, with leading suppliers like Certainly Wood reporting a significant increase in demand and a price increase of 15% to 20% compared to last year. Similarly, Denmark has seen a surge in wood-burning stove demand and firewood, with searches for wood pellets skyrocketing by over 1,300%.

Environmental concerns are also at the forefront, with warnings about the health hazards of fire and the contribution of smoke to particle pollution. The environmental toll is grim, with rampant, unregulated deforestation, especially in Kosovo, where electricity costs have spiked, leading to wonton theft from the national parks that jeopardises young trees and the sustainability of forests.