Belgians return to old ways of staying warm amid energy crisis

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS (AA) – As the energy crisis in Europe drives people to look for other ways to warm their homes, Belgians started using wood and pellets to stay cozy this winter.

According to Belgian media, skyrocketing energy prices in Europe are spurring the public to find cheaper alternatives while preparing for cold and winter.

Amid sky-high gas bills, many Belgians are installing stoves as an alternative to turning on their gas heaters.

This has pushed up the demand for wood and wood pellets in Belgium, which in turn has pushed up prices.

The price per cubic meter of wood, which was around €80 (almost $78) this time last year, has reached €150. Thus, wood prices have risen nearly 90% in the course of a year.

But the rise in pellet prices even outstripped wood. The cost of 15 kg (33 pounds) of pellet fuel increased from €4.2 to €12 – almost tripling.

Moreover, electricity and gas bills in Belgium have more than doubled over the last six months.

Flemish energy regulator VREG said that the annual bills for electricity per household have risen to €3,256 while the average for natural gas is €5,954.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan