Struggles of Rural Villagers in Hebei Amidst Gas Subsidy Cuts

In Hebei Province, China, rural villagers are facing significant challenges in affording heating as government subsidies for natural gas have diminished. The transition from coal to cleaner energy sources, mandated by Beijing in 2017, aimed to reduce severe air pollution but has left many residents grappling with rising costs. Villagers like 72-year-old He Wenxiang are now forced to make difficult choices about heating their homes, often opting to run their gas boilers only occasionally due to soaring prices. With outside temperatures dropping to minus 1°C, many are left shivering in their homes, where indoor temperatures can fall to as low as 14°C.

The Straits Times

The shift from coal to natural gas was part of a broader effort to improve air quality, which has reportedly seen a reduction in particulate matter by approximately 30% in the Beijing area from 2020 to 2025. However, the economic realities for rural residents have changed drastically. Local governments, facing budget constraints, have scaled back on subsidies that previously helped offset heating costs. In 2024, public expenditures in Hebei reached 139.5% of revenues, exacerbating the financial strain on local authorities and leading to the cancellation of heating subsidies that had been in place for several years.

The Straits Times

Residents in villages around Baoding, such as those in Xushui, report that heating costs can consume a significant portion of their incomes. For instance, a woman surnamed Song indicated that her family spends 8,000 yuan ($1,478) annually on heating, which is more than one-third of the average rural salary in Hebei. Many families have resorted to only heating their homes when children are present, while others layer clothing and blankets to cope with the cold. The disparity in gas prices between rural and urban areas has also raised concerns, with natural gas costing up to 3.4 yuan per cubic meter in Hebei compared to 2.6 yuan in rural Beijing.

Taipei Times

The government has acknowledged the discontent regarding heating affordability. A commentary from the state-run news agency Xinhua emphasized that the effectiveness of policies should be measured by the public's sense of gain. However, many villagers express skepticism about the benefits of the coal-to-gas transition, as the financial burden of heating remains high. Statements from local residents reflect a desire for more substantial support, with some arguing that minimal subsidies do not significantly alleviate their financial pressures.

The Straits Times

While the Chinese Ministry of Finance indicated that special funds would be arranged for additional subsidies in rural areas, details on implementation remain unclear. Villagers like Zhang Yanjun, who has already spent over 5,000 yuan on heating since October, express frustration with the inadequacy of the support offered. As the winter progresses, the ongoing debate about the balance between environmental goals and the economic realities faced by rural residents continues to unfold.

Taipei Times

• “If any colder, you couldn’t take it.” — He Wenxiang, Farmer

The Straits Times

• “If you give 300 or 200 yuan or something, it’s the same as if you gave no subsidies at all,” — Zhang Yanjun, Laborer

Taipei Times

• “Everyone likes that [the air] is clean. There’s not one person that doesn’t like it,” — Anonymous Villager

Taipei Times

• “When I see it, it’s quite pitiful,” — Yin Chunlan, Restaurant Worker

Taipei Times