Propelled by surging costs for gas, food and housing, consumer inflation jumped 7.9% over the past year, the sharpest spike since 1982 and likely only a harbinger of even higher prices to come
reflected the 12 months ending in February and didn't include most of the oil and gas price increases that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Since then, average gas prices nationally have jumped about 62 cents a gallon to $4.32, according to AAA.and persistent supply shortages had sent U.S. inflation to its highest level in four decades.
Seeking to stem the inflation surge, the Federal Reserve is set to raise interest rates several times this year beginning with a quarter-point hike next week. The Fed faces a delicate challenge, though: If it tightens credit too aggressively this year, it risks undercutting the economy and possibly triggering a recession.
Energy prices, which soared after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, jumped again this week after Biden said the United States would bar oil imports from Russia. Oil prices did retreat Wednesday on reports that the United Arab Emirates will urge fellow OPEC members to boost production. U.S. oil was down 12% to $108.70 a barrel, though still up from about $90 before Russia’s invasion.
Should gas prices remain near their current levels, Eric Winograd, senior economist at asset manager AllianceBernstein, estimates that inflation could reach as high as 9% in March or April. But even for some services unaffected by the pandemic, like rents, costs are also surging at their fastest pace in decades. Steady job growth and high home prices are encouraging more people to move into apartments, elevating rental costs by the most in two decades. Apartment vacancy rates have reached their lowest level since 1984.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US inflation soared 7.9% in past year, a fresh 40-year highPropelled by surging costs for gas, food and housing, consumer inflation jumped 7.9% over the past year, the sharpest spike since 1982 and likely only a harbinger of even higher prices to come
Read more »
Another 40-year high: US inflation soars 7.9% over past 12 months, biggest spike since 1982This number doesn't even reflect the oil and gas spikes of the past week, which will likely catapult prices even higher in the coming months.
Read more »
US Energy Secretary: Biden admin wants to work with US oil & gas producers to raise supplyUS Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Wednesday that the Biden administration wants to work with US oil & gas producers to raise supply, repor
Read more »
Biden bans Russia oil imports to U.S., warns U.S. gasoline prices will rise furtherU.S. President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil and other energy imports on Tuesday in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring strong bipartisan support for a move that he acknowledged would drive up U.S. energy prices.
Read more »
US vice president says US and Poland are united, despite episode over fighter jetsVice President Kamala Harris said in Warsaw Thursday that she was traveling to one of NATO's easternmost allies to show the United States' commitment to the region's security, and announced the delivery of two new Patriot missile systems to Poland.
Read more »
US President Biden: Announces US ban on Russian oil, gas and energy importsAs expected, in a public address at the White House, US President Joe Biden announced a ban on all Russian imports of oil, gas and energy.
Read more »