JEDDAH — The demand for firewood has recently increased, especially with the severe cold weather hitting a number of regions in the Kingdom. Finding firewood was no problem in the past, but following a ban on local firewood early this year, sellers disappeared from the market and hid behind fake names on social media. This left the market with only one option — to import from outside. The Ministry of Agriculture banned selling local firewood in January 2013. Ministry spokesman Jabir Al-Shihri said they would not hesitate to name the violators who go against the ministerial decision and sell local firewood. “Buyers and sellers alike have to be aware that live in one big home and any malpractice that affects the environment will harm us all,” explained Al-Shihri. "The protection of green zones can be achieved only by the cooperation of members of society," added the spokesman, stating that the local demand can be achieved through the importation of firewood. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued its ban on selling of local firewood after documenting a decrease of trees. The most local firewood in demand is Al-Samra trees, but replanting these trees within five years will cost SR12 million. The two other trees in demand are Al-Qadi and Al-Arti. There are 87 different kinds of trees planted in the Kingdom. A royal decree has been issued to exempt firewood importers from customs. The main countries the Kingdom is importing firewood from are in Africa, South America and Asia. Muhammad Saleh, a 60-year-old Saudi, said he has been in this business for the past 15 years, during which he developed a group of customers, who mainly ask for Al-Samra firewood, which they use in gatherings and picnics. His clients are mainly from the Riyadh region. “Shabba,” the local word used to refer to the fire emitted from firewood, plays an important role in this issue. Traditionally, and even in current times, Shabba is associated with the art of making Arabic coffee, where everything has to be selected carefully including the coffee beans and the type of firewood. The importance of getting a good quality of firewood is the main reason that leaves many unwilling to substitute local Al-Sadda wood with imported firewood. Fahad Al-Oqaily, a firewood trader, said the new regulations the Ministry of Agriculture set to moderate the importation of firewood are helpful, as they set criteria to ensure the quality of firewood being imported. “Locals will take time to familiarize themselves with the new firewood system, and this will automatically happen when the local firewood disappears from the market.” The new rules state that the firewood must be firm, the length should be reasonable, pure and burnable,and the measurement has to be stated in tons or kilograms. In addition, the firewood should not be made of agricultural waste and must be dry.
