21.   Certainly some effects of higher fuel prices are rippling through the economy.

22.   Consumers have been paying higher fuel prices for several months.

23.   DELTA STOCK FALLS DESPITE PROFIT RISE Delta and Southwest reported strong profits, as other airlines have, despite higher fuel costs.

24.   Delta was hurt less by higher fuel costs than most carriers because of an aggressive hedging program that locked in below-market prices in advance.

25.   Delta also had higher fuel costs in the fourth quarter.

26.   Energy prices surged, raising the prospect of higher fuel costs, and rising interest rates raised concern that corporate profits could be hurt for many companies.

27.   Engel cited higher fuel prices last quarter as part of the reason for the revision.

28.   Even truckers have not managed to jack up freight rates, although the squeeze on their earnings from higher fuel prices has truckers protesting in Washington for relief.

29.   For JAL, however, the higher fuel bill comes at a particularly bad time.

30.   Gitner said TWA also experienced higher fuel prices and higher maintenance costs caused by problems with the mix of aircraft in its fleet.