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Greater Concepción: Firewood Prices Fluctuate Between $220 and $260 per Log

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An average price of $240 per log and $6,925 for sacks—both for certified native and eucalyptus (exotic) firewood—are the current rates observed in the area.

This is according to data collected from certified firewood suppliers by the Energy Sustainability Agency, which works with the Ministry of Energy.

The acting Regional Minister of Energy, Pablo Pinto, stated that "the price of firewood and other biofuels depends on several factors, such as machinery and fuel costs, among others. It is important to note that a significant portion of the firewood currently available in the local market was produced during 2024. The final retail price will depend on each producer or seller."

Suppliers

Maribel Dinamarca, who continues the family business started by her father at Comercial Dinamarca SpA, shared that they have been in the heating firewood trade for about 20 years. "My father, Rodolfo Dinamarca, was the one who began the business, and later I took over."

In more detail, the supplier noted that they offer native firewood, "mostly hualle or oak, as well as exotic eucalyptus, where prices are $8,500 per sack for native firewood and $7,000 for eucalyptus. Additionally, we have kindling at $2,500 per mesh bag."

It is worth mentioning that Comercial Dinamarca SpA, located at Los Copihues Street #51, Palomares in Concepción, sells only in sack format. "For our customers' convenience, who prefer this to avoid arranging firewood, each sack contains about 18 to 20 logs (approximately $425 per log) and can be easily carried indoors," she explained.

A key factor when pricing and evaluating the convenience of purchasing firewood is its certification—not only for product quality assurance but also from a health perspective, especially after recent pre-emergency alerts in Concepción and Los Ángeles.

Thus, Maribel Dinamarca highlighted having certification from the Energy Sustainability Agency. "We hold the National Firewood Certification System and now the Firewood Quality Seal from the Ministry of Energy. I was also the first woman in the Biobío region to receive this certification," the small business owner affirmed.

Luis García, a partner at Proleña, offers eucalyptus logs and chunks in sacks and bulk. "I have plenty of dry, certified eucalyptus firewood with 18% to 22% moisture. Current prices range between $220 and $260 per log, and sacks cost around $6,000 to $6,500," he said.

Jaime Toledo, general manager of JTC Madera in Coronel, explained, "We have high pre-booked demand for dry firewood, mainly supplying schools and kindergartens."

JTC Maderas offers a variety of certified firewood, including native hualle sacks (22-25 kg) at $8,600, eucalyptus sacks at $7,500, and 18-20 kg sacks at $6,500. They also sell kindling sticks at $2,350 per 2.5 kg mesh bag of kiln-dried pine with around 12% moisture.

Manuel Cuevas, from Cachay, Lot C in Coronel, sells eucalyptus logs at $250 and hualle at $320 per unit. Sacks cost $4,500, with home delivery in Concepción for purchases over 50 sacks or 1,000 logs.

Alfonso Roa, another certified supplier located on the road to Florida between Puente 2 and Puente 3, stated he has ample stock of aromo and eucalyptus firewood for winter. "I have plenty of dry firewood, with prices varying by size—smaller logs at $200 each and larger ones at $300," he concluded.

Firewood Use

Dr. Adelqui Fissore Schiappacasse, a professor at the University of Concepción’s Mechanical Engineering Department, notes that wood heaters, though widely used in southern homes, are harmful to residents' health.

"The main issue with wood heaters isn’t malfunctioning accidents but their normal operation, which emits particulate matter like PM10 and PM2.5. Inhaling these causes respiratory problems such as irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties, worsening pre-existing conditions," the expert explained.

According to Fissore, exposure to this particulate matter, indoors and outdoors, is a growing challenge in southern Chile. While regulations limit emissions, the impact remains significant.

"Wood heaters should be replaced with cleaner alternatives like heat pumps or air conditioners, which don’t pose these risks," he added.

Dr. Jaime Tapia Zapatero, head of Pediatrics at Concepción Regional Hospital, explained that smoke not only irritates airways but also disrupts the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

"Bronchial cilia remove microbes and debris from the air. When smoke or humidity damages them, respiratory infection risks rise sharply, especially in children, who are more vulnerable to cold and air pollution," he said.

Tapia added that Concepción’s average 60% humidity worsens the situation. "Cold and humidity affect the respiratory system, and heating—especially wood—reduces indoor humidity, drying the air further and harming airway cilia."

Source:Diario Concepción