Dominican Election Uncertainties Cause Rise in Costs

A 25 percent jump on construction materials in the last month is due to the election, says Jaime González, president of the Housing Builders and Promoters Association (ACOPROVI).
Sales of new property also fell 50 percent in March and April and the price of residences rose around 15 percent last month.
González indicated that they were closely watching the elections and were concerned about what effect the outcome would have on the construction industry. "The price of construction materials shouldn’t have to rise, more increases make no sense any longer."
González called for the government to take actions to prevent instability in the sector.
Rising costs in other sectors have also been linked to the worldwide rise in the cost of oil which has had a knock-on effect on transportation, pushing up the prices of many items.
Meanwhile, many business owners in Puerto Plata have seen a quiet couple of weeks as the nation holds off on major spends, waiting for the results of the May 16th Presidential election.