11.   Rising energy prices contributed to a slowdown in the overall economy.

12.   Rising prices of crude oil contributed most to the decline.

13.   The scenario is a repeat of last year when higher resin prices contributed to lower earnings in the last three quarters.

14.   These high gas prices have contributed to an annoying, though not crippling, increase in the nationwide cost of electricity.

15.   An overnight plunge on Wall Street and more unwinding of arbitrage positions spurred by lower index futures prices also contributed to the selloff, they said.

16.   Falling international gold prices have contributed to the hard times.

17.   High oil prices have contributed to economic improvement this year, but living standards remain low.

18.   Higher cigarette prices contributed to the increase in income.

19.   Low oil prices have contributed to the slump this year at the biennial exhibition.

20.   Lower gas and newspaper prices also contributed to a fall in the inflation rate.