When is the best time to buy pellets?

Buying pellets for home heating is a decision that can significantly impact not only your winter comfort but also your wallet.

Choosing the right time to buy pellets can lead to savings of up to 30-40% compared to seasonal peaks.

But when is it really worth buying it? And why?

Let’s find out together the best time to stock up.

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Pellet prices: what affects the cost?

Seasonal demand: The price of pellets follows similar dynamics to those of other fuels. In winter, demand skyrockets, driving up prices.
Inventory Availability: Manufacturers plan production based on expected demand. In summer, warehouses are full, while in winter, shortages are a possibility.
Cost of raw materials and energy: Any increases in the price of sawdust or transportation are quickly reflected in the final price.
Geopolitical events: As we saw in 2022 with the energy crisis, international events can also significantly impact the pellet market.

Official data from GSE and ARERA show that between August and December there is an average increase of +25% in the cost of pellets, with peaks of up to +50% in the coldest months (January and February).

When is it best to buy pellets?

✅ Best time: Spring and early summer (May – August)

Advantages of early purchase:

Lower and more stable prices
More choice between different types of pellets (certified, domestic, imported)
Faster and cheaper deliveries
Possibility to reserve the quantity needed for the entire season

❌ Times to avoid: October – January

During autumn and winter:

Demand is increasing across Europe
Suppliers raise prices
There is more competition for deliveries
You risk finding only lower quality pellets or ones at exorbitant prices

Increased availability of high-quality pellets

With demand declining during the summer, there is increased availability of high-quality pellets .

During the winter months, when demand increases, it may be more difficult to find pellets of the quality you want or the specific type you need.

By shopping in the summer, you’re more likely to find high-quality products without having to compromise.

Is there a difference between pellets sold in summer and those sold in winter?

No, actually, there is no seasonal variation in pellet quality.

The elements that determine the actual quality of this fuel are others:

The nature of the base material
The absence of chemical additives
The absence of glues

It is essential to pay attention to the European certifications present on the packaging and use the barcode to verify that the manufacturer is not included in the list of companies that do not comply with EN Plus standards.

Case Study

The typical family purchased 90 15 kg bags of pellets in July 2024 at €5.60/bag .
At the same retailer, in November 2024, the same pellets were sold for €7.90/bag .

Total savings: €207

“By buying in advance, we saved almost the cost of a gas bill. Now we do it every year.”

Typical family

Practical tips for smart shopping

Monitor local and online prices : Check the websites of manufacturers or retailers, even wholesalers.
Buy certified pellets (ENplus A1) : don’t skimp on quality, because poor quality pellets can damage your stove.
Calculate your needs in advance : consider the insulation of the house, the cubic meters to be heated and the autonomy of the stove.
Store pellets correctly : in a dry, covered place , to prevent them from absorbing humidity and losing their calorific value.
Consider group or collective purchases : In many communities, you can save money by organizing bulk purchases.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy large quantities in the summer?
Yes, as long as the pellets are stored properly. Moisture is enemy number one.

Can pellet prices drop in winter?
Very rarely. Any reductions are often on low-quality products or those that have been in storage for a long time.

Does it make sense to buy pellets every month?
Only if you have limited space to store them, but you risk paying much more in the long run.

Conclusion

In short, the right time to buy pellets is in spring or early summer .

By taking advantage of lower prices, greater availability of quality products, easy delivery, and the ability to plan ahead, you can ensure a warm and worry-free winter.

Planning your purchase means saving money , making better choices, and facing the winter without surprises .