Last ton of the year

[Caribfan]

Like many of you, I have a problem. Everytime I pass a HD of Lowes I have a need to go in and see what they have for pellets. Lately, I have been finding alot of empty displays. I have burned more than expected this year due to the cold and most likely will need another ton to get me through spring. Judging from the lack of stock, I have the feeling I should get that ton sooner rather than later. I know there have been other comments on this forum about pellets being more scarce this year than in previous years. How much of that do you think is due to the colder weather this year and how much due to pellet companies shipping their product overseas? Does anyone see this year as a " tipping point" where burning pellets really starts to take off, thereby increasing demand and driving up the price in the future? It seems that I have wood pellet/stove conversations with more people than I did 2 years ago.

 

[Bioburner]

I stopped at the local HD and they were down to a pallet and a half and the lawn and garden was fully stocked. Problem when the store headquarters is in Georgia. What if the pipeline that brought up propain continues to pump Bakken oil to refiners? Pork producers are squealing and poultry-turkey producers are cackling that it is a major impact on production. No chicken for the bar-b, turkey for Thanksgiving and no X-mas ham!? Green houses are about to start up too. Australia prices for pellets imported from China $600 per ton, probably just our product rebagged. Neighbor just got a old(8 year) countryside stove for $600 and now I am being pulled in to help get it going on pellets till he can get setup to burn corn.

 

[CBL]

Where are you located? Here in MA I have yet to notice any sort of supply issue at the big box stores. Even my local Ace hardware still has about 20 tons out front.

 

[RKS130]

Where are you located? Here in MA I have yet to notice any sort of supply issue at the big box stores. Even my local Ace hardware still has about 20 tons out front.

Our local HD (Mohegan Lake, NY) is still bringing stock in and currently has FSU, Green Supreme and Lee Energy, in what seems to be adequate supply.

 

[Madcodger]

Yep, box stores are definitely running low or out in Chester County, PA and my dealer has had trouble getting inventory but has made great efforts to keep customers supplied and adequately "ration" pellets (Gasworks in Frazer, PA - very good dealer). I think I am now fine for the season but needed that last 1/2 ton from my dealer to get the warm and fuzzies. Pellets are a commodity. Cold weather increases demand, so supplies get tight and prices go up. Buy in summer..

 

[Bioburner]

I see a pellet grill-smoker in my future with bulk propain at $5-6what do you think small tanks per gallon price will be?

 

[bbfarm]

Fleet farm east in Green Bay has at least 50 tons of pellets. All sitting outside full of snow and ice, not covered.

If I couldn't find any other pellets I would get some but only as a last resort when they are stored like that

 

[Bioburner]

Fleet farm east in Green Bay has at least 50 tons of pellets. All sitting outside full of snow and ice, not covered.

If I couldn't find any other pellets I would get some but only as a last resort when they are stored like that

I refused a pallet from FF last September because of swelled pellets during the preseason sale. If you buy pellets before things thaw out you may be ok, or break down the pallet part way to check before leaving yard. Supposed to have a warm up after next week. I believe it when I see it. Indeck double bags the pallet and even shows on their site them being stored outside.

 

[Ctcarl]

Here in Connecticut my local lowes is empty as well.

 

[MaineStove]

Up here (central Maine) HD/Lowes seem to be restocked every few days - keep checking!

 

[MaineStove]

(That said, I'd tend to grab the extra ton you want earlier rather than later...)

 

[Lake Girl]

I'm sure there were many quick converts when the natural gas supply line exploded south of Winnipeg, MB. Shortages of natural gas in Manitoba and Minnesota from what I heard. The extreme cold and high prices of propane and oil would add more converts...

Eastern US seems to have a larger supply and variety of pellets. I know in this area many still use wood stoves so may explain why pellet supply is slower to catch on. It is getting better but slowly...

Get them sooner rather than later!

 

[MikeNH]

I noticed around here the BB stores seem to let their supply run low this time of year, but there are several stove shops that have a supply all year round.

 

[Bioburner]

I'm sure there were many quick converts when the natural gas supply line exploded south of Winnipeg, MB. Shortages of natural gas in Manitoba and Minnesota from what I heard. The extreme cold and high prices of propane and oil would add more converts...

Eastern US seems to have a larger supply and variety of pellets. I know in this area many still use wood stoves so may explain why pellet supply is slower to catch on. It is getting better but slowly...

Get them sooner rather than later!

A big problem with converting to wood is the install cost with the chimney as it has to go so far up the roof easily exceeding the price of the stove. Then the next is storing enough wood to meet needs for season if you can get it reasonable. Oak and ash go for about 120-150 per cord here. Time to stack and frequent stove tending. No way it works for a long weekend gone or lucky if stove is warm after 10 hrs or so. Pellet stove can be vented straight out wall for around $100 and be running in a couple hours. Yea I preaching to choir. I told my folks no way I can help with wood anymore. Bad back and bone spurs in neck. Hope a nice insert shows up.