According to the company’s spokesperson Oleg Vlasov, no consumption limits have yet been introduced as the weather is still freezing; however, Uralsevergaz CJSC did ask the consumers to use less natural gas for industrial purposes whenever possible and switch to other types of fuel such as coal and black oil instead. Power plants, for instance, have been using those already. Explains Mr Vlasov: ‘Since it is really cold now in virtually all of Russia, we have had to ask our clients to use their gas supplies wisely. The top priority in gas provision is given to population and socially important buildings; naturally, no limits are to be imposed on them. Moreover, we’ve still been supplying the agreed amount of gas to the region.’