The recent extreme heat is straining the electricity supply in parts of China. Authorities in the inland province of Sichuan are restricting industrial power usage.

Chinese media say the mercury topped 40 degrees Celsius in Sichuan and the city of Chongqing on Tuesday. Temperatures reportedly hit record highs at 68 locations on Monday.

The heat wave has caused an increase in power demand for air conditioning in Sichuan, while hydroelectric power generation has declined due to little rain.

This week, local authorities ordered companies that use large amounts of electricity to suspend production in order to prioritize residential usage. The restriction will to continue until August 20.

The order is having a widespread impact on businesses, including Japanese firms. Toyota Motor has halted operations at a plant in the city of Chengdu.

The eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang are also reported to have introduced curbs on electricity consumption at some companies.

Such restrictions, if prolonged, could have an impact on the economy.