Rising fuel prices and subsidies ending threaten winter heating costs in France, with wood heating struggling to gain traction despite being the cheapest option.
Fuel prices rise sharply
The prices of gas and fuel oil have surged this year, raising concerns about potential astronomical heating bills this winter. Wood heating, often considered the cheapest option, is struggling to benefit from this inflation.Subsidy end affects wood heating
The end of subsidies under MaPrimeRénov may be affecting the sales of pellet or wood stoves. A boiling summer has led to discussions about ways to protect against heat, but as autumn begins, France may not be fully aware of the challenges ahead.Energy price increases confirmed
The price of gas has increased by +6.3% on October 1st, with a further increase of 6.6% expected by November 1st. Fuel oil prices have also risen sharply, and electricity prices have increased by 2.5% on August 1st.Wood heating not in high demand
Despite the potential cost-effectiveness of wood heating, the French have not rushed to adopt it as they did during the energy inflation peak in late 2022 linked to the conflict in Ukraine. According to professionals in the wood industry, this does not seem to be the case.Pellet prices remain low
Pellet prices have returned to more "normal" values around 400 euros per ton, remaining twice as cheap as fuel oil and three times as cheap as electricity. However, the end of MaPrimeRénov subsidies is affecting the market.Firewood supply remains stable
Claire Quinonès, head of the wood commercial department at the National Forestry Office, notes that despite fires and drought, the supply of firewood is well present this year. The slowdown in the wood market may also be due to competition from heat pumps, which the government has encouraged through advertisements.
