11.  Meanwhile, reduced supply pushed up prices in some basic chemicals, a result of accidents that suspended operations at a few large chemical plants.

12.  Natural gas prices also surged, particularly in California, where low storage levels, cold weather and reduced supply combined to boost demand.

13.  Natural gas prices rose because of reduced supply as American and Canadian companies, hurt by previously low prices, cut back on drilling.

14.  Q. Is this a result of reduced supply or higher demand?

15.  Prices at the pump rose sharply earlier this summer as refinery shutdowns reduced supplies.

16.  Prices tend to rise when inventories are low as traders vie for the reduced supplies.

17.  Reduced supply will help push up commodity prices, analysts said.

18.  Reduced supply at a time of peak demand means that share prices should go up.

19.  That could mean fewer and lighter hogs brought to meatpackers next week, forcing them to raise their bids for the reduced supply.

20.  The combination of increased demand and reduced supply has sent prices soaring.