News

Ñuble: Certified Firewood Maintains Its Prices, but Sellers Fear Increase Due to Frosts

Sponsors

With the arrival of autumn and the drop in temperatures, the demand for firewood begins to rise in Chillán and much of the Itata Valley.

Although prices remain similar to last year's, local producers warn that they could increase as frosts and winter rains arrive.

Antonino Díaz commented that this price behavior is usual. "In March, it starts to rise. September to December is cheaper," explained the producer, who sells eucalyptus for $18,000 per meter (measured in a 90x90 crate), and aromo and native firewood for $21,000.

Meanwhile, producer Guillermo Rivas sells eucalyptus and aromo for $40,000 per meter, while native firewood is offered at $45,000. "What I have is of good quality," he assured.

Víctor Mejías, another merchant in the sector, maintains similar prices: eucalyptus at $40,000 and native at $45,000 per meter. A key point highlighted by both authorities and producers is the need to use dry firewood, which not only improves heater efficiency but also significantly reduces air pollution.

"The use of dry firewood is essential to avoid particulate emissions and reduce critical pollution episodes," said Michael Vera, Air Quality Officer of the Ñuble Regional Ministry of the Environment. He added that "the projected weather conditions for this period will be more complex than the previous one due to atmospheric phenomena, with the possibility of concentrated rain and low temperatures."

From the Ñuble Regional Ministry of Energy, Seremi Dennis Rivas Oviedo has emphasized the importance of the "Firewood Quality Seal" as part of a public policy aimed at improving population health and protecting the environment. "Drier firewood generates more heat and has a lower environmental impact. This translates to a better quality of life and better health for people, because it pollutes less and is more effective," Rivas has stated on multiple occasions.

Source:Soychile.cl