North Country Dealers Reported Higher Pellet Demand—but Continuing Supply
Potsdam-area dealers reported sharply higher demand but continuing supply in September. What that means—and what to confirm for your winter order.
The September 2026 local report does not support a prediction that New York’s North Country will run out of heating pellets. It shows sharply higher demand, but also continuing deliveries and an additional supplier at one retailer. That is reassuring—not a guarantee of stock throughout winter 2026–27.
As of November 5, the specific availability statements below are dated September 29. They describe Potsdam Agway and Triple A Building Center’s Massena, Canton and Potsdam stores, not every dealer in the North Country.
What the local dealers actually reported
In WWNY’s September 29 report, the demand figures came with important supply details:
| Retailer | Reported demand | Reported supply position |
|---|---|---|
| Potsdam Agway | Owner Daryl Kolanko described demand as threefold compared with years past | He had added another pellet company to help keep the store stocked and said he did not expect to run out |
| Triple A Building Center | CEO Robert Ashley said demand was up 65% over the previous year across its three stores | Curran pellets were not under allocation, and tractor-trailer loads were arriving regularly |
Those are retailer reports, not an audited regional inventory count. Agway’s comparison was also “years past,” not explicitly the previous year; it should not be treated as the same measurement as Triple A’s 65% increase.
Ashley’s statement that Curran pellets were not under allocation is a useful supply signal: Triple A reported obtaining regular loads without a supplier-imposed limit at that point. Agway’s additional supplier was another practical response to higher demand. Both details matter more to the shortage question than sales growth alone.
What this means for a North Country household
Do not panic-buy solely because you heard “demand tripled.” But do not treat a September assurance as confirmation that your preferred brand is available today.
For an order around Potsdam, Canton or Massena, ask the dealer:
- Is my quantity physically in stock, or dependent on an incoming truck? Separate available fuel from expected replenishment.
- Are there purchase limits or supplier allocations now? This checks whether the reassuring September supply position has changed.
- What pickup or delivery date can you confirm? Available pellets and an available delivery slot are different questions.
- If my usual brand is unavailable, what alternative heating pellets can you supply? Check the alternative against your stove manual’s fuel requirements before committing to a large order.
Potsdam Agway’s website lists a wood-pellet delivery quote request and the store number, 315-265-8660. A quote request is a way to check your order—not proof of stock or a reserved delivery.
If your dealer cannot confirm supply, check another local seller before assuming the whole region is short. For the separate decision of how much to commit to now, use our buy-now-or-wait guide.