Residents of Chechnya criticize mass cut-off of gas for debtors

In Chechnya, gas services conduct raids and cut off supply of gas for bad debtors. Instagram users explained large debts for gas by the poor situation after self-isolation.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that residents of Chechnya repeatedly complained about raids conducted by gas service workers who entered yards of private houses without permission and threaten to cut off the gas supply.

"The raids will be continued until the debts are fully collected in all areas of the republic," the "Grozny" TV Channel reports in a video posted on its Instagram page.

The administration of the Urus-Martan District called raids a forced measure. "It is clear that this is not the best time now. However, utility bills are to be paid, and no one exempted people from paying bills, despite the quarantine regime. In the Urus-Martan District, the debts for gas reach about 600 million roubles ... Meanwhile, we meet the people's need as much as possible, and we give them the opportunity to pay off their debts in instalments," said an official from the administration of the Urus-Martan District.

Instagram user millionnido noted the objective economic difficulties which could cause debts.

"Where did people get the money from?.. Recently, they are even short of money to buy something to eat," user ellincrefa complained.

"Before the quarantine regime, I generated a debt for gas supply: because of my mother's illness I was spending almost all my earnings on her treatment. Then I spent three months on the quarantine without any earnings. All my savings were spent for my mother's funeral. Now they demand from me to pay off the debt for gas. And where can I get the money from?" Idris said.