According to the Plant Engineering Cost Index (PECI), plant operating costs fell 0.1% in October to 148.7. Compared to a year earlier, costs were 2.6% higher in October. Based on 10 months of data, costs were 1.6% higher in 1997 than in 1996.

The facilities side of the PECI was entirely responsible for the decline in October costs. The facilities index fell 0.2% in October, while the equipment index remained unchanged over the month. Compared to a year earlier, the facilities index gained 2.1%, and the equipment index advanced 2.8%.

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