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Northern China is grappling with a heating crisis as natural gas prices soar and infrastructure fails to meet demand, particularly in Hebei province, where many households are left without heat. Investigations revealed that nearly half of the residents in a Zhuozhou village lack heating amid freezing temperatures, prompting authorities to allow coal burning as a temporary measure. The environmental ministry has reversed its previous stance, permitting coal use until gas supplies can be secured, amid rising public dissatisfaction.