Bulgaria: The Big Chill - European Journal, 14.01.2009

Hardest-hit by the current gas row between Russia and Ukraine are the people of south-east Europe. Bulgaria depends for 95 percent of its gas on supplies from Russia. The government in Sofia has responded to the crisis by ordering rationing for utilities, schools and hospitals and turning off supplies to dozens of factories, while many companies are having to suspend production. 2.5 million people depend on gas for their heating, and the country is currently gripped by freezing temperatures.