Americans are snapping up firewood and wood pellets as alternative fuels to high-priced oil.
The rush in demand has lifted prices for the renewable fuels, with the Massachusetts department of conservation and recreation recording a US$50 increase in firewood cord prices compared to a year ago.
The department says the demand could also benefit the forests, as poorer quality wood not destined for use as timber products could be harvested.
Retailers have reported a doubling of their firewood sales compared to last autumn, while pellet prices have grown from US$197 to US$215 per tonne during the past year.
The state’s office for consumer affairs and business regulation estimates that the cost of every energy source in Massachusetts has increased by 25-30% during the last 12 months.
