Kabul, July 20 -- Amid rising temperatures in recent weeks, residents of Kabul are facing severe a major challenge of increased power rationing and electricity shortages, according to a report by Tolo News, with most areas of the city getting electricity for only six to seven hours a day.

As temperatures soar, a number of retailers selling cooling appliances say their businesses have seen increased demand in recent weeks, it added.

Citing the vendors, Tolo News reported that more people are purchasing solar-powered electrical appliances because of more frequent power outages and the lack of reliable access to the public electricity grid.

An electrical appliance seller told Tolo News, "This year, most of our customers prefer solar-power...