Basic product prices have been going up, reflecting increases in
energy and transportation costs, for the most part. Bottle water has
increased 37%, milk by 10% and garlic is up 75%. According to the
Listin Diario, onions, edible oils, dental cream, beans, chocolate,
smoked herring, and tomato paste have also increased in price. Rice
has maintained a steady price of between RD$15 and RD$18 pesos per
pound, depending on the type of rice. Pastas have also held their
price levels. Some persons connected to the provision market are
saying that the tighter government controls put together by the DGII
have affected retailers, at times of higher fuel prices.