China's worst snowstorms in decades will reduce steel production by 1.5 million metric tons because of power shortages, according to Mysteel.com.

Jiangsu Shagang Group Co, Ningbo Iron & Steel Co and other companies have closed part of their production, Mysteel, an industry website, said in a table which lists details of the mills affected.

Ma'anshan Iron & Steel Co, Jinan Iron & Steel Co and others may follow suit, it said.

(Shanghai Daily February 1, 2008)