Poland allows people to pick up trees in the forest to keep warm in the midst of energy ‘storms’

Poland is gradually running out of coal for heating due to the Russian embargo – Photo: GETTY

On June 6, Polish local media quoted Deputy Minister of Climate and Energy Edward Siarka as saying that people can collect tree branches in the forest to use as fuel for heating.

Those wishing to harvest timber must first undergo training and obtain permission from the local forestry unit. People are only allowed to take tree branches that fall on the ground, but not cut trees and branches must not be thicker than 7cm.

Mr. Marek Mroz, an official with the Katowice City Forest Service, explained that the branches, after being picked, will be handed over to the local ranger for payment. Collectors pay about 7.2 USD for 0.25m³ firewood.

According to Radio Russia Today, Poland is facing a coal shortage after banning the import of Russian coal.

The government of Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has blamed the war in Ukraine for soaring energy costs.

However, analysts say the conflict is only partly to blame, given the fact that costs have increased over the past seven years. Inflation in Poland has increased to 14% in recent weeks, with fuel prices hitting $1.87 a liter.

Demand for raw materials in Poland has outstripped domestic production since the ban on Russian coal was introduced. During the military conflict in Ukraine, Warsaw called for a complete embargo on Russian energy.

In March, Poland said it would end all Russian energy imports, including oil, gas and coal, by the end of 2022.

According to media reports, Poland’s wood imports from Russia and Belarus stopped altogether at the outbreak of the conflict, and imports from Ukraine fell by about 75%.