However it has been limited by subsidy reforms which have increased the cost of fuel and electricity, as well as by shortages of increasingly-expensive raw materials.

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But much of the cynicism is centered on corn-based ethanol that some consider not just an inefficient fuel source but also one that also creates food shortages, driving up the cost of feed for livestock producers.

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Even though adding disks and heads increases the cost of the hard disk drive, in the current environment of higher HDD prices due to shortages from the Thailand floods of 2011 gives some additional leeway for higher prices to pay for the additional components.

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Many provinces are suffering power shortages because producers have little incentive to generate electricity given the high cost of coal and the low state-mandated electricity price.

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The result, now and increasingly in the future, is shortages of service for those who were supposed to be helped by Medicaid, and an increased cost burden for those who are insured and able to pay.

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Due to non-existent infrastructure (Myanmar ranked 129th out of 155 countries on the Logistics Performance Index), an antiquated banking system, power shortages, corruption, as well as a total lack of modern equipment and skilled technicians, cost savings on labor may be offset by higher costs and delays in non-labor areas.

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