Brits turning to burning wood in an effort to combat soaring energy costs have had a nasty surprise. The price of kiln-dried logs has soared by 50% in just the last 12 months.
The logs are available to buy in many supermarkets including Tesco and Asda and can be used in wood burners. Since Russia's attenmpted invasion of Ukraine, there has been a 300% increase in interest in wood-burning stoves and the kiln-dried logs that heat them, according to price intelligence company Skuuudle.
This shortage of wood has fuelled the price jump, along with the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices making shipping more expensive.
A spokesperson for Skuuudle said: “Many households are seeking to reduce their energy bills at the moment and this has led to increased demand for logs that can be burned at home.
“Our latest figures show that even alternative forms of energy such as kiln-dried logs are increasing in price. While the percentage change is eye-watering, wood-burning stoves still offer a more economical way to heat your home than gas or electric fires.
“With demand for kiln-dried logs likely to continue to rise due to the prohibitive price of gas and electricity, retailers will need to find solutions to convince consumers that they are paying a price that gives them the greatest value. At a time when inflation is affecting the marketplace so much, competitor price monitoring is becoming ever more valuable to help retailers develop strategies to gain a competitive edge.”
Skuuudle says retailers have an unenviable ‘balancing act’ to perform when it comes to pricing: to consider the needs of the customer, their suppliers and their supply chain.
