21.   Oil permeates every aspect of our lives, so even minor price increases have devastating impacts.

22.   Price increases also have driven readers away, analysts say.

23.   Some analysts expressed concern that recent power and water rate increases have yet to be reflected in consumer prices.

24.   Some economists said the tax increase may have a bigger impact on companies than consumers because many retailers are discounting and wholesalers are reluctant to pass along higher costs.

25.   Some economists say the increase might have the opposite effect, attracting even more foreign capital as investors take advantage of high short-term rates.

26.   So because the Fed is already tight, future increases should not have to be big.

27.   State transportation officials say they do not know what effect the limit increase will have on accidents and fatalities.

28.   Some said the tax increase may have a bigger impact on companies than consumers because retailers are discounting prices and wholesalers are reluctant to pass along higher costs.

29.   Still, his experience suggested that the increase would have the desired effect of antitobacco groups, to discourage smoking.

30.   That increase has come as many low-wage workers have lost their jobs.