In China, more regions faced power shortages, food prices rose and the government warned of crop damage as a cold wave kept its icy grip on the country today with more chilly weather forecast. China National Radio said a vast swathe of the country – from the interior southwest to its northeastern seaboard – has seen unprecedented spikes in electricity and coal use as residents sought to keep warm. A historic cold wave virtually paralysed China, bringing record low temperatures, transport chaos, fuel shortages and power outages across large parts of the nation.<br/><br/>As demand strained power grids, several provinces and regions have begun rationing electricity or imposed other restrictions. Agriculture ministry officials said food prices were rising as transportation crimped delivery and the cold weather damaged crops. A weekend snowstorm was Beijing's heaviest in decades, and yesterday's low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius was the lowest in the capital since 1971. The China Meteorological Administration today forecast more snow for parts of northern and northwestern China over the next several days. <br/>