Unless the government changes its mind, summer will bring two blows to the pockets of Dominican consumers. An El Caribe editorial points out the announced 20% increase in power bills for anyone who has an air conditioner at home and for businesses and industries that consume over RD$1,500 a month in electricity. In addition, the GATT valuation that takes effect 1 July is expected to translate into a 25% increase in product costs. The biggest effect will be felt when the businesses and industries pass on the increase to consumers. Likewise, the increase will make Dominican products less competitive with imports on the domestic market and will affect Dominican exports.
