As Oil Prices Rise, Consumers Seek Alternatives

BOSTON — As the price of oil rises, business is picking up for Massachusetts sellers of alternative home heating fuels.

Northeast Nursery in Peabody sells firewood, wood pellets and even coal. Thanks to all the storms, business has been good this winter. Now, it's getting even better, says manager Chris Barboza.

"There was a woman yesterday in the nursery who would have purchased additional heating oil to top off her tank, but she decided not to, [she decided] to waive off that delivery," Barboza said.

She bought wood pellets instead.

Some area retailers say they're already running low on some wood supplies. Barboza says it's a nice boost at a time when business normally starts winding down.

But, Barboza says, the more people who shift their consumption away from home heating oil, the more prices for alternative fuels will go up, too.