The cover price of The Royal Gazette will increase to 90 cents on Saturday.

The price was last increased to 80 cents from 75 cents one year ago in the first increase in six years.

The increase is necessary due to rising costs, especially in the price of newsprint and electricity, said Royal Gazette Ltd. general manager Keith Jensen. The price increase will not affect existing subscriptions for the newspaper.

The price of The Royal Gazette's electronic edition will remain at 75 cents.

This service can be accessed at www.theroyalgazette.com.

"We regret that we have to increase the price of the newspaper, but all costs of doing business in Bermuda continue to increase," said Editor Bill Zuill.

"In order to continue to produce the high quality daily newspaper that Bermuda deserves, we have to meet the price increases that affect us, just like any other business or individual."

But Mr. Zuill said newspapers generally, and The Royal Gazette in particular, remained a great bargain for their daily price.

"The newspaper tells you what is happening at home, it takes you around the world, gives you advice, provides a diversity of opinion and will help you get a job or a house, all for the less than the price of a cup of coffee or a pack of gum," he said.