The row between Russia and Ukraine over gas pricing has spread across Europe. 18 countries have been affected, ranging from major economies like Germany, to former Soviet member Moldova. The lack of fuel in the middle of a severe winter is posing a serious challenge to the people of these countries.
The gas meter has stopped running at the Kordic family home in Sarajevo. Outside, the temperature has dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius. Officials say over 72-thousand Sarajevo households were left without heating, after deliveries of Russian natural gas to the country were stopped on Tuesday evening.
Sujezana Kordic, Sarajevo resident, "We are in a war-like situation here. Like during the war. I cannot believe that - in the 21st century - someone can shut down the gas like this."
Bosnia's leading gas operator, Sarajevogas, says the situation is close to a humanitarian disaster. Bosnia imports all of its gas from Russia through Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia.
In Romania, farmers in this village 70 kilometers north of Bucharest are resorting to wood-chopping for alternative fuel.
Local famer said, "This is the only way to survive, wood is cheaper than gas, we need to wait and see what's happening."
In the Czech Republic, gas from Russia was completely cut off on Wednesday morning.
An alternative pipeline, which brings Norwegian gas to households, left Czechs in a better situation than most countries in the region. But many people are very concerned about the situation.
Petr Kosek, Prague resident, said, "This is a very unpleasant situation, because most of Czech households are using gas for heating and for cooking. The consequences could be enormous. "
In the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, heating has been sharply reduced despite sub-zero temperatures outside. Many companies and schools remained closed on Wednesday.
