Chinese villagers struggle to heat homes as gas subsidies fade

Sunday 11 January 2026 - 12:50

By: Sahili Aya

Chinese villagers struggle to heat homes as gas subsidies fade

Villagers in northern China’s Hebei province are facing harsh winters as gas subsidies for clean heating disappear, leaving many unable to afford adequate warmth. Nearly a decade after Beijing began phasing out coal stoves to reduce winter smog, households now struggle with high costs for natural gas and electricity.

In 2017, the Chinese government mandated the replacement of coal-fired stoves with gas or electric systems and initially provided subsidies to offset installation and fuel costs. Those subsidies ended after three years, and little financial support has been available since.

Residents of Xushui, about 100 kilometres from Beijing, described avoiding using heating to limit expenses. One villager, in his 60s, said that spending 1,000 yuan ($143) per month on heating was unaffordable. Others layer blankets or leave systems off during the day to save money, despite freezing temperatures that can drop to minus seven degrees Celsius.

Local media reports indicated that gas prices in rural Hebei are significantly higher than nearby Beijing, exacerbating the burden on residents. A 55-year-old labourer, Zhang Yanjun, said he had already spent over 5,000 yuan heating his home since October, noting that minor subsidies of 200–300 yuan made little difference.

The Chinese Ministry of Finance confirmed that total funding of 13.2 billion yuan had been allocated to support clean heating in Hebei, but no ongoing subsidies for households were planned. Authorities acknowledged the need for special funds to support rural areas but provided no timeline for rollout.

Villagers say they appreciate cleaner air but lament the high cost of achieving it. Many continue to endure cold winters in their homes, highlighting the challenges of balancing environmental goals with the financial realities of rural communities.