51.   But to maintain these quotas, Bangladesh has to control prices.

52.   Despite the increases, he ruled out any attempts by the government to control prices.

53.   He added that Malaysia, a member of the International Natural Rubber Organisation, should think about its independence in controlling rubber prices.

54.   Grain shortages have been reported in several southern provinces, and several provinces and cities have reintroduced grain ration coupons in an attempt to control prices.

55.   Gros said the government had no intention of controlling oil prices.

56.   He said letting corporations invest in farms could lead to more power for agribusinesses that want to control the prices that farmers get, and consumers pay.

57.   He said that failure to control prices in such important commodities like food and medicines would only heighten public mistrust felt toward the government.

58.   In a related development, he said the Ministry was also considering listing more goods as essential items so that the prices could be controlled.

59.   If family farmers continue to go broke, corporations will take over and be able to control food prices, he said.

60.   If Iraq does resume sales, it will be even harder for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to try to control prices.