PARIS, Dec 6 trees for heating in the winter amid rising energy prices and possible power outages in the country.
BFMTV on Tuesday aired a piece with a set of rules for self-felling trees amid a significant rise in firewood prices. According to the media, the price of a cubic meter of firewood has risen from 65 to 90 euros, and many households can no longer afford it.
«Like all other types of fuel, the price of firewood is rising today. It is becoming unaffordable for many , and the obvious solution is to go into the forest on your own and chop your own fuel to keep warm — like in the Middle Ages,» the TV channel reports.
It is noted that only trees with a diameter of more than 35 cm can be cut down and only in communal forests according to the allocated quota. For felling younger trees, a fine of 1,500 euros is possible.
«It is completely forbidden to take fallen trees, as they serve to regenerate the soil, it is also forbidden to sell cut trees,» the TV channel clarifies, recalling, however , that cutting down trees is a dangerous occupation and that protective equipment must be used.
The TF1 TV channel reported that in order to provide yourself with a supply of firewood, you need to pay a tax of 52 euros. According to the media, one in four French people use firewood to warm themselves in winter, and this year the number of individuals going to the forest for firewood has doubled. The media reminds that only trees marked by the French National Forestry Authority (ONF) can be cut down.
Earlier, the media reported that the demand for firewood in France increased by 50%, and delivery takes from 3 to 6 months. Producers say they may limit the supply of one cubic meter of firewood per household if they are unable to meet demand.
Last week, French national electricity grid operator RTE reported that short-term power outages are likely in certain areas in France during peak consumption hours: from 8 am to 1 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm. On Friday, December 9, the authorities will carry out a test power outage in a number of regions of the country.
After the start of the special military operation of the Russian Federation, the West increased sanctions pressure on Russia, which led to an increase in prices for electricity, fuel and food in Europe and the United States .