The heating of homes will cost those who use stoves more money because the price of a tonne of coal increased to 4,000 to 4,200 lei, up from about 3,000 lei last year. The importers blame the currency exchange rates, IPN reports.

The price of coal depends on the purchased quantity and the packing and transportation conditions. “We have two types of coal – anthracite and long-flame coal. We import both of these types from Russia because Ukraine stopped supplying coal. The import price remained US$200 per tonne, but the exchange rate of the leu against the US dollar changed and the price in lei grew,” said Anatolie Trofanciuc, director of a firm that imports coal.

According to him, for the heating season, the Moldovans will need 8,000-12,000 lei for purchasing coal only, about 2-3 tonnes for a family per season. But the consumed volume depends on how cold the winter is and what heating system is used.

Besides coal, the people also need wood for heating. Director of the Forestry Agency “Moldsilva” Ion Cebanu has told IPN that the price of a stere meter of firewood varies between 450 and 550 lei. The people are advised to buy firewood directly from forest companies so as to avoid paying profit margins.

The pellets this year cost 2,600 to 3,000 lei per tonne, while the briquettes – 2,000 to 2,500 lei per tonne, depending on the raw material. “Compared with last year, the prices are higher because the raw material is more expensive. Consequently, the production costs are higher. Three-four tonnes of pallets or briquettes are needed to heat a home during a season,” said producer Sergiu Ochinca.