41.   Basofi made the remarks amid persistent rumors that the prices of basic commodities in East Java will skyrocket soon.

42.   Bambang urged the government to control and stabilize the extreme price hikes of basic commodities.

43.   Beddu added that the subsidies on basic commodities would remain until the economic situation improved to help remedy the pains of the common people.

44.   Business leaders predicted that increased transport costs would affect most basic commodities, including corn meal, a staple food.

45.   But Dibyo acknowledged that the recent scarcity of some basic commodities at several markets was not caused by speculators stashing supplies but the panic buying which occurred last week.

46.   But while the panic has subsided and the government has ensured that basic commodities remain sufficient, public concern still remains.

47.   Buyers suddenly crammed shops and markets here Thursday afternoon procuring basic commodities, such as rice, sugar and cooking oil, in large quantities.

48.   Certain basic commodities, such as milk and cooking oil, have become scarce in supermarkets.

49.   Cardoso said South America would demand more access to currently protected U.S. markets for farming produce and other basic commodities.

50.   Demonstrators staged a similar protest at the Institute of Technology, demanding that the government lower prices of basic commodities.