Cities across southern China, suffering from natural gas shortages, are stepping up emergency measures, to provide adequate supplies for residents coping with the recent cold weather.

Zhejiang province, lying on the eastern coast of China is also at the end of the country's west-east gas pipeline. This leaves the province with less gas than its western neighbors. Despite being one of the richest provinces in China, Zhejiang is suffering a deficit of 1.5 million cubic meters of gas a day, with its capital, Hangzhou accounting for nearly a third.

The Hangzhou city government has had to cease gas supplies to 44 factories, and limit supplies to government office buildings to only a few hours.

To the north, in Jiangsu province, the situation is a little better. Taxis still have access to gas supplies, but they have to wait in long queues, taking nearly 2 hours. Cab drivers have to arrive early, to ensure they get a share of dwindling supplies.

(CCTV.com November 22, 2009)