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Rural Hebei Faces Soaring Heating Costs This Winter

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Heating costs in rural Hebei Province, China, can reach up to 8,000 yuan this winter.
The phaseout of gas subsidies follows a 2017 shift from coal to cleaner heating sources.
Subsidies have declined, leaving families unable to pay rising gas bills and reducing a substantial share of farmers' annual income.
Residents bundle up under quilts as price disparities between rural Hebei and urban Beijing spark complaints.

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Story summary

Heating costs in rural Hebei Province, China, can reach up to 8,000 yuan this winter.
The phaseout of gas subsidies follows a 2017 shift from coal to cleaner heating sources.
Subsidies have declined, leaving families unable to pay rising gas bills and reducing a substantial share of farmers' annual income.
Residents bundle up under quilts as price disparities between rural Hebei and urban Beijing spark complaints.