21.   Earlier in the week the government had reported weakening retail sales and subdued price increases at the producer level.

22.   Engine production also is expected to increase at its Indianapolis plant.

23.   Even a small rate increase at the wrong time could set off a chain reaction that we would regret deeply.

24.   Few analysts are predicting a Fed rate increase at the August meeting.

25.   Gasoline could rise on concern that refinery problems may slow recent inventory increases at a time when inventories are close to their lowest since November.

26.   He defended the tax increase at a news conference, saying it had helped reduce the federal deficit and improve the economy.

27.   His aides are clearly concerned that at a time of rising oil prices, any coming confrontation with Iraq could cause large price increases at the pump.

28.   His most persistent theme was that the acting governor failed to keep state spending increases at the rate of inflation, a level the treasurer advocated.

29.   Huge outlays for prison expansion and large enrollment increases at higher education facilities also contributed to the increase, he said.

30.   In this interview, he predicts rate increases at the post office and consolidations in the private carrier business.