MAKKAH — The prices of firewood and coal in the holy city of Makkah have increased by more than 20 percent following the drop in temperature and the advent of the rainy season, market sources said. They noted that for most of the year there was little demand for coal and firewood for heating purposes, but the demand increased in recent weeks when temperatures dropped. Ayesh Abu Sittah, a wood trader, said difficulties in importing firewood and natural coal from Somalia has also contributed to the price hikes. He said firewood and coal previously used to come to the country in large quantities from Somalia through Egypt and Sudan. Abu Sittah acknowledged successive price increases of coal during the past three months. He said prices for a 10kg bundle rose from SR35 to SR80 during the period. “We, as retailers, sell at higher prices to maintain a profit margin after covering our expenses,” he said. Hafiz Bin Saeed, another trader, said the demand for firewood and coal was also augmented by citizens camping in the desert this time of year. “Restaurants and coffee shops also consume large quantities of firewood and coal thus contributing to the price hikes,” he said. Local firewood mostly comes from the Al-Laith region. The Ministry of Agriculture has recently banned timber trade to preserve the Kingdom's greenery. To protect the country's forests, the Council of Ministers has exempted imports of firewood and coal from customs duties and has asked governors of all regions to ensure the ban on felling trees and transporting wood is adhered to.
