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40% Drop in Certified Firewood Sales Warned in Ñuble

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Certified firewood producers have experienced a sharp decline in sales, which—they argue—is due to several causes, such as the replacement of heaters, lower household income, and an increase in uncertified sellers, leading to a 40% drop.

Guillermo Rivas, from La Granja, on the road to Pinto, stated that sales have slowed and have seen a decrease of between 30% and 40%. "We believe this is because people are switching to pellets and that they don’t have much money."

Rivas also mentioned that, in his case, he sells firewood by the cubic meter, with prices ranging between $35,000 to $40,000 pesos.

Juan Lillo, from Callejón Arias, on the road to Pinto, explained that in his specific case, he believes sales have remained steady, but there is less money circulating. He added, "The price has stayed the same for 3 years, but it’s clear that people have less purchasing power. In my case, I’ve also noticed that many bought during the summer."

Regarding whether people are preferring firewood or pellets, Lillo commented, "They’re not restricting themselves—quite the opposite. Some are returning to wood stoves because pellet stoves aren’t working well and are costing too much."

Manuel Rivas, who sells certified firewood at Saque Chillán, says this drop in sales is due to many unauthorized sellers offering it at lower prices. "They always sell wetter firewood. Another factor influencing this decline is the replacement of heaters in many homes, switching to pellet stoves or electric heating."

Rivas pointed out that firewood sales have been decreasing yearly and argued, "Compared to previous years, it’s dropped by 40%. For example, before, I couldn’t stop making deliveries, and now I have plenty of free time."

Source:SoyChile