The persistent heat could ease the problem. The rush to stockpile, however, has already begun. However, the price of pellets in Sardinia portends a blow for the 32% of households on the island who rely on this fuel to heat their homes.

In September, the national average price of a 15-kilogram bag reached €7.60, 34% higher than a year ago. In Sardinia, the current price range already fluctuates between €7.50 and €8. Last winter, shortages and price increases prompted Adconsum to file complaints with prosecutors, the Antitrust Authority, and the price watchdog.

"Our prices are even higher than last year: the fear is that prices will reach unprecedented levels," says the regional president of Adiconsum, Giorgio Vargiu.

The vulnerability for Sardinians is greater: "We have a single Brazilian supplier," explains Vargiu, "but we should open up other supply channels with Canada or Northern Europe. In Sardinia, 32% of households heat with pellets , and overall regional consumption is estimated at over 164,000 tons as early as December."

Soon it may be rare to find pellets in supermarkets, "and especially with prices regularly above 10 euros a bag: it's a problem, a big problem that is emerging and that will overwhelm us again."

(Unioneonline)

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