Pellet prices rise sharply in January 2026: Pellet buyers continue to purchase wood pellets regardless
 
Pellet prices are rising sharply in January 2026. Loose wood pellets have become almost 20 euros more expensive over the course of the month. Prices for bagged goods have risen even more sharply. The ongoing cold spell and boom in demand are causing pellet prices to rise sharply. And prices could rise further. This is because the weather remains cold and could even get colder—and market supply is tight.

Pellet prices rise sharply in January 2026. Wood pellets had already become more expensive in December. But in January 2026, pellet prices skyrocket. The reason: demand from pellet customers is rising sharply due to the prolonged cold spell.

The experts at Heizpellets24 say: "After the weakest final quarter in terms of sales in the last three years, demand for wood pellets is rising sharply in January 2026. The reason for this is the cold winter weather. However, the price slump hoped for by many consumers is not materializing. On the contrary: on average across Germany, wood pellets cost a good €20 more than last month and cost around €385 in the third week of January (total purchase of six tons, plus delivery fee).

Bagged goods cost an average of €398 per ton, which is €25 more than four weeks ago. Many pellet buyers have clearly miscalculated their purchasing strategy. They had to buy at short notice in January as pellet prices rose – because consumption also increased sharply with the cold winter weather.

Many pellet customers had been counting on another price drop by the end of 2025 so they could fill their boiler rooms with wood pellets at a slightly lower price. Now, the cold spell and the acute need for heating have massively accelerated the purchase decision.

Instead of falling pellet prices, purchases in January continue to become more expensive – and pellet prices have climbed to a two-and-a-half-year high. However, most pellet buyers order relatively small quantities, according to experts at Heizpellts24. Orders of less than three tons are common, with delivery times of one to four weeks. Bagged goods were also purchased more frequently again in January.

Source: agrarheute.com