Return of Mao-era coal coupons show China's crisis isn't over

The coupons are coming after a shortage of the fuel drove up prices and led to widespread power curbs last month

A local government in China is resurrecting coal coupons — a relic of Mao Zedong’s planned economy days — to ensure its citizens have access to heating fuel as they brace for a bitter winter.

Shuozhou, located in the heart of coal country in Shanxi province, has distributed coupons to 47,000 families to help them purchase the heating fuel, the official China Youth Daily reported on Wednesday. Each coupon is good for two tons of subsidized coal, enough for each household to last through the winter and early spring.

The coupons are coming after a shortage of the fuel drove up prices