Russia Cuts Gas Supply to Balkans, Residents Freezing

Russian gas supplies to Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Macedonia have been suspended over disputes between Russia and Ukraine. While gas is typically delivered through Ukraine to those Balkan countries, the dispute has seen Russia turn a cold shoulder on the nearby areas. For many, the dispute couldn’t occur at a worse time. The Eastern Orthodox Christmas holiday, which is January 7, was badly interrupted for many in the area when they found out that they would be without heating fuel. Said Snjezana Kordic of Sarajevo, "Is this the 21st century? How can someone leave me without heating in minus 10 (Celsius) because of a dispute I have nothing to do with" Kordic spoke from the relative comfort of blankets that she had wrapped around herself to keep warm.

Bulgaria is the hardest hit during this crisis, and receives roughly 92% of its total gas supply from Russia via Ukraine. While Greece and Turkey have alternate means of acquiring heating fuel, Bulgarians are left to fend for themselves. "We depend on the dispute between Russia and Ukraine, how silly is that?" said Belgrade resident Djodje Gec.

Left in a lurch, many in Bulgaria are turning to electric heaters, wood burning stoves and all other alternate means of home heating. Some are even driving for hours to other cities to acquire much-coveted electric heaters. Said Tsvyatko Peev, who purchased the last available electric heater in a downtown shop near his house, "I’m glad I got one, although I fear that the additional electricity costs will ruin the family budget."