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Heating Crisis Hits Hebei: Seniors Struggle Amid Rising Costs

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Hebei province, residents face a heating affordability crisis as natural gas prices rise and subsidies shrink.
72-year-old farmer He Wenxiang struggles to afford heating and often warms his home only occasionally.
The shift from coal to gas to cut pollution has raised heating costs, with some families spending over one-third of their annual income.
The provincial government acknowledges the issue but has not yet addressed affordability directly.

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Story summary

In Hebei province, residents face a heating affordability crisis as natural gas prices rise and subsidies shrink.
72-year-old farmer He Wenxiang struggles to afford heating and often warms his home only occasionally.
The shift from coal to gas to cut pollution has raised heating costs, with some families spending over one-third of their annual income.
The provincial government acknowledges the issue but has not yet addressed affordability directly.