21.   Because of a rate freeze, the utility, which focuses mainly on distribution of electricity, has been unable to pass along its rising costs to customers.

22.   Biondi also said that he is concerned about rising production costs throughout the industry.

23.   Bond prices slipped after a government report on productivity pointed to rising labor costs.

24.   Boston University has also become more competitive, even in the face of rising college costs.

25.   According to a recent federation survey, rising health costs is the single biggest worry for business owners.

26.   Against the backdrop of rising drug costs, managed care companies are fighting back with a variety of tactics, including one pioneered by Avorn.

27.   Also, increasing competition in the U.S. and sluggish economies overseas should restrain rising costs.

28.   BRAZILIAN stocks declined amid poor results at steelmakers, as rising production costs affected profitability.

29.   Businesses large and small are facing rising health care costs.

30.   Business groups say the legislation would curtail frivolous lawsuits that discourage business growth, deter the development of lifesaving drugs and lead to rising liability costs.