11.   Labour politicians fear estate agents carrying out the valuations will push prices up to benefit themselves.

12.   This speculation pushed prices up further.

13.   Also pushing prices higher is strong overseas demand.

14.   Also pushing prices higher was strong demand for exports.

15.   Also, shipping delays caused by port-congestion in Brazil and rain in Guatemala have kept sugar off the market, pushing prices higher.

16.   Also pushing prices higher, the European Union rejected six bids to buy wheat today.

17.   An unexpected frost or hurricane could wipe out the crop, causing shortages that would push prices sharply higher.

18.   Analysts said that talk of Europe changing course in the next few weeks also pushed prices down late in the day.

19.   An economy operating at full capacity would tend to push up prices.

20.   Analysts said the sharp daily climbs that pushed prices up fast early in the year may give way to more steady growth in coming sessions.