The news that Iraqi resistance may prolong the war in that country has apparently forced oil prices up US$1.75 a barrel. Although this represents a significant jump, the current price of oil is still lower than the US$40 barrel-price of just over two weeks ago, as it edged under US$30.00 in New York yesterday. One analyst said that problems in Iraq and Nigeria are prompting the cautionary rise in price. Locally, El Caribe reported that the dollar dropped 30 points in yesterday?s activity in the exchange markets, down 150 points from last week?s high, with analysts pointing to the RD$800 million taken out of circulation last week as explanation. In the midst of this news, the Superintendent of Power Julio Cross announced that electricity rates for April will go up ?just 7%?, and not all of this price hike will be passed on to consumer. Cross told reporters that the government will continue to defend the middle classes, and will absorb 50% of the increases for those consuming more than 300 kWh per month.