Uzbekistan
Beginning in late December 2007, the unusually harsh weather has frozen the gas supply to numerous homes and businesses across Uzbekistan. As a result, there have been numerous demonstrations and protests against the government, in favor of an insured uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity. The government response has varied; in Karakalpakstan, they met protesters and promised to rectify the situation, while the local government head of Hazarasp responded to a complaint by one woman by cutting off gas altogether to all the houses on her street.
Some in Uzbekistan have turned to "traditional methods" for heating, and there are reportedly some villages which have no trees left, because villagers have cut them down to heat their homes and cook food. This is expected to have a negative effect on the economy, because the leaves are essential to the local silk industry, and the fruit grown is the main source of income for many villagers.
Read more about this topic: 2008 Central Asia Energy Crisis