After the outbreak of the Russian Ukrainian conflict, the West restricted the import of Russian energy. On the 8th local time, Bloomberg News released a report entitled "Desperate Europeans are starting to use the world's oldest fuel for heating again". According to the report, 70% of the energy used for heating in Europe comes from natural gas and electricity. With the sharp reduction of Russian supply, firewood has become a popular commodity. Bloomberg also said that in Germany, some people even asked about burning horse dung and other unexpected fuels for heating.

Bloomberg News cited the example of German citizen Peter Engelke at the beginning of the report. It is reported that Engelke's warehouse is located not far from Berlin Tempelhoff Airport. He has installed a new security door for his warehouse because he is afraid that desperate people will steal the items in his warehouse. Bloomberg said that the "precious asset" in Engelke's warehouse exposed to risks was wood fuel, and his action reflected the growing anxiety of the whole Europe.

The report mentioned that the European continent is preparing for the energy shortage and even the possible power outage this winter. At the European Political Community leaders' meeting on the 7th, EU leaders did not reach an agreement on setting a ceiling on the price of natural gas, because they were worried that any such restrictive measures might threaten the energy supply in the region.

In addition to Germany, the report also cited that in France, the price of wood particle fuel almost doubled to 600 euros (about 4100 yuan) per ton, and there are signs that some people panic to buy the oldest fuel in the world. Hungary even banned the export of particulate fuel, while Romania set a ceiling on the price of firewood for six months.

According to the report, in addition to the concern about energy shortage, the energy crisis also led to the soaring cost of living. In September, the inflation rate in the euro area reached double digits at an annual rate for the first time. Throughout Europe, families in distress are increasingly faced with the choice between heating and other necessities of life.

On the other hand, it is reported that many Europeans are most concerned about how to keep warm in the coming months. With the approaching winter cold wave, this concern becomes more urgent, and this emotion may lead to health and environmental problems. Roger Setin, head of the air quality department of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, was quoted as saying: "We are worried that people will burn what they can get. If someone does not know how to burn firewood correctly, it will lead to very high pollution levels." Setin also said that the particles will eventually enter the deep lungs, leading to heart attacks, strokes and asthma, which is particularly dangerous in urban areas.

In addition, it is reported that the lack of experience in this area is also evident in Germany, where the Chimney Sweeper Association is handling a large number of requests to connect new and old stoves (and chimneys), and customers are asking about burning horse dung and other cold fuel. The report said that in Berlin, the crisis was a disturbing reminder of the situation after the Second World War. At that time, due to the fuel shortage, people almost cut down all the trees in the Tiergateng Park in Berlin for heating. Bloomberg said that although Berliners will not take such extreme measures now, people's concerns about warmth are widespread. Peter Engelke said: "We are very worried about preparing for the coming of winter."

Source: Global Times