(Yicai Global) Dec. 21 -- Wuhan, the capital of China's central Hubei province, began limiting the procurement of natural gas yesterday due to a province-wide shortage.

Wuhan Natural Gas Co. will limit household purchasing to no more than 150 cubic meters per month, it said on social media yesterday.

Earlier this month, the company shut off supplies to chemical plants, factories, entertainment venues, heating firms and public service facilities (excluding schools and hospitals) in order to "ensure people's basic needs."

The gas shortage will run through winter and spring, the firm added, recommending home dwellers use natural gas for heating as little as possible and don't raise the temperature of their home to more than 16 degrees Celsius. Demand for gas has soared recently as the Chinese government looks to switch out coal power and reduce smog.