21.   In addition to saving on import costs, the cutback would help expand the capacity of local industries and create new jobs for ex-servicemen, Syed Hamid said.

22.   Many businesses already were hiking prices to cover an expected jump in import costs.

23.   Rafidah called the manufacturers in the country not to merely pass on the higher import cost due to the ringgit devaluation to the consumers.

24.   The Energy Ministry said it would import processed fuel and may have to raise gasoline prices to meet additional import costs.

25.   The decline in the ringgit is pushing up import costs.

26.   The firm has not been affected by foreign exchange fluctuations that resulted in higher import costs of spare parts.

27.   The free units helped lower average costs and absorb higher import costs caused by the depreciation of the baht.

28.   The researchers also believe the escalating import cost may encourage farmers to opt for the local formulas.

29.   The weakness in the exchange rate of these economies should lead to lower import costs for manufacturers, traders and consumers in Hong Kong, Mr Kwok said.

30.   Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral last week said a hike in petroleum prices was inevitable because of growing import costs.