Winter is fast approaching and with it, concerns related to heating. For many French households, the question of price of wood pellets becomes crucial. After the 2022 crisis, marked by a surge in prices and shortages, what about for winter 2024-2025? Let’s look at the current situation and the outlook for pellet consumers.
State of the wood pellet market
Wood pellets, or pellets, have become a popular heating method in France. These small 6 mm cylinders, made from compressed wood residue, power stoves and boilers in many homes. Their production has undergone significant development:
- 2021: 1.5 million tonnes produced
- 2023: 2.3 million tonnes, covering 80% of national needs
This increase in French production capacity is a direct response to the 2022 crisis. Manufacturers have intensified their efforts to avoid future shortages and stabilize prices. But production costs remain higher than before the crisis, influencing current prices.
The price situation for pellets in France in October shows a stabilizing trend, although prices remain higher than before 2022.
Price developments and outlook for winter 2024-2025
The evolution of wood pellet prices in recent years has been marked by significant fluctuations:
| Year | Average price per pallet |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 300 € |
| 2022 (peak crisis) | 900 € |
| 2024 (estimation) | 400 € |
For the winter of 2024-2025, experts predict a price stabilization around €400 per pallet. This significant decrease compared to 2022 is explained by:
- The increase in national production
- Better anticipation of needs by suppliers
- The end of the panic linked to the war in Ukraine
Although prices have not returned to their pre-crisis levels, they are becoming more affordable and predictable for consumers. This reassuring trend should allow households to better plan their heating expenses.
Tips for optimizing your pellet purchases
Faced with this new situation, here are some recommendations for consumers:
- Anticipate your purchases : take advantage of off-season offers
- Compare prices between different brands
- Check the quality of the pellets (certification, origin)
- Consider group purchasing with neighbors to benefit from favorable rates
It is wise to monitor the offers from supermarkets and specialist suppliers. For example, in October 2024, 15 kg bags could be found between €3.79 and €4.90 depending on the brand. These prices, although variable, indicate a market stabilization.
For a broader view of the wood-energy market, see the analysis of the surge in firewood prices in France, which offers a region-by-region overview.
Long-term prospects for pellet heating
The wood pellet market appears to be heading towards a lasting stability. Investments in national production and the adaptation of the sector to market needs portend a more serene future for consumers. However, prices will likely remain higher than before 2022, reflecting new economic and environmental realities.
Public authorities and industry players work together to guarantee reliable supplies and reasonable prices. This collaboration aims to make pellet heating a solution ecological and economical in the long term for French households.
Ultimately, although vigilance remains essential, consumers can approach the winter of 2024-2025 with more peace of mind regarding their supply of wood pellets. The lesson of 2022 has been learned, and the market seems better prepared to respond to demand without excessive price surges.
