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3 clusters · 16 sources · 20 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 14 days ago

Balkan heating fuel price increases

Overview

Heating fuel prices are rising across the Balkan region, prompting shifts in consumer behavior. In Montenegro, firewood prices increased at the start of the winter season, with beechwood and oak seeing notable rises. As costs climbed, some residents began opting for electricity or air conditioning to avoid the expense of wood.

In North Macedonia, pellet prices experienced a significant surge, with some 15-kilogram packages rising from 199 denars to as much as 340 denars. While government institutions have encouraged a transition to ecological alternatives like pellets, the State Inspectorate of the Market noted that prices are currently formed freely by the market. The Commission for Protection of Competition stated that simultaneous price increases do not inherently prove illegal coordination without specific evidence of abuse.

By late August, the trend of rising costs and shifting habits expanded. In Montenegro, firewood prices reached up to 100 euros per meter, though demand declined as households increasingly adopted solar panels and electricity. In Croatia, rising gas prices have driven consumers toward wood and pellets.

As winter approaches, concerns regarding fuel availability and costs have intensified in Croatia and Serbia. In Serbia, experts note that while pellets offer greater comfort, wood remains a primary budget option if purchased at favorable prices and used in efficient stoves. In Croatia, wood prices have reportedly risen to between 700 and 1000 euros. Despite significant pellet production, industry representatives warn that high demand and export needs could lead to shortages, advising citizens to purchase supplies before peak seasonal price hikes.

Entities

Privredna komora Srbije · Vera Ražnatović · Serbian Chamber of Commerce · Agencija za energetiku Srbije · Veruša

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The most affordable heating method depends on the building, its insulation, the heated area, and the efficiency of the furnace or boiler. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Wood remains one of the most affordable options for households with appropriate heating systems, provided it is purchased at a good price and used in an efficient furnace. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Calculations from the Energy Agency of Serbia confirm that households with favorable wood procurement and efficient stoves had the lowest costs in the previous heating season. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Pellets are more expensive per unit of cost than the most affordable wood heating options, but they offer greater comfort. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Gas can be a competitive option due to ease of use and more stable supply. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs

Timeline

14 days ago

[BUSINESS] 11 sources
Heating costs rise as consumers prepare for winter
Consumers in Croatia and Serbia are bracing for rising winter heating costs, with experts weighing the economic benefits of wood against the convenience of pellets.
27 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Pellet heating prices rise in North Macedonia
Pellet heating prices in North Macedonia have risen by approximately 140 denars per 15kg package, despite government efforts to promote pellets as an ecological alternative to polluting fuels.
about 1 month ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Firewood prices rise as winter heating season begins
Firewood prices in Montenegro have risen this season, with split wood reaching 90-95 euros, prompting some residents to switch to electric heating.

Sources

bizniscg.me · dan.co.me · dnevno.hr · espreso.co.rs · informacijecrnagora.me · journal.hr · koha.mk · kurir.rs · lepotaizdravlje.rs · medjimurski.hr · mondo.rs · obalaplus.si · portalanalitika.me · pulsmladenovca.rs · shenja.tv · Tportal.hr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history