It averaged 3% over the five-year period in 1990-94, fluctuating within a range of -5% to 9% between 1990 and 1997 (Figure 2.13 and Tables 2.12 and 2.13). The low and sometimes negative level of support to producers during the 1990s reflects the priority given to ensuring stable and affordable domestic prices for consumers. Factors associated with the Asian financial crisis caused a sharp one-off drop in support in 1998.