Despite the ready availability of more modern methods of heating and cooking, firewood remains a prized commodity in the north of the Kingdom where many still prefer a traditional fire in their homes, and now the onset of winter has sent wood prices in Tabuk rocketing up by 15 percent. With the rising demand, firewood and kindling markets in Tabuk have seen prices rise to 1,200 riyals a car boot-load, and between 1,700 and 2,500 for van and truckloads. A single bundle of firewood that can be carried in a strong pair of arms is fetching between 50 and 100 riyals. “The rest of the year is slow, and it's now in the winter season when we do real business,” says wood salesman Mohammed Al-Huweiti. “Prices should continue to go up for a while yet, as supply is not matching demand at the moment.” Agriculture ministry moves have also been instrumental in pushing prices up, locals say, following a ban on random chopping and selling to registered stores. “Prices are comparable to last year which brought quite a harsh winter,” said another local seller. “The ministry supposedly banned the sale of wood and coal at markets and inspectors were supposed to make sure the ban was upheld, but we haven't seen that happen.”
