Spring brings North Koreans relief from crushing winter fuel costs

2026-03-20 - 08:20

North Koreans across the country are quietly breathing a sigh of relief as spring temperatures climb and fuel costs begin to ease, according to a Daily NK source in North Pyongan province. With winter behind them, many are switching from gumyeongthan (briquettes used for heating and cooking) to chakgapthan (quick-lighting charcoal used primarily for cooking), which costs roughly one-tenth the... Source