Regulated price rises set

Household prices for electricity, which are still regulated by the state, are expected to rise by up to 17 per cent in the new year, while natural gas prices may go up 30 per cent, heating 8-11 per cent and rent 80 per cent.The rises come after the outgoing 1998-2002 Dzurinda government postponed increases scheduled for this year in order to protect its voter support ahead of crucial September elections.