China took steps Wednesday to freeze regulated prices of energy and other utilities, in a bid to combat inflation exacerbated by soaring global crude oil prices. "Prices of gasoline, natural gas and electricity shall not be adjusted in the near future, and charges for gas, water, heating and public transport in cities shall not be raised," the Chinese government said in a statement. See Chinese government Web site http://english.gov.cn/2008-01/09/content_853969.htm The government also called for stabilizing prices on medical services and agricultural fertilizers. The directive was released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...x?guid={512C2D1E-97AF-4D06-8233-E5A645CF8171}