Types of Inflation
Inflation is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon; rather, it can be categorized into various types based on how rapidly prices rise and the underlying causes that provoke these increases. This section articulates inflation types:
Based on Rate
- Creeping Inflation: This type features a slow and steady rise in prices, typically under 3% per annum. It's generally considered manageable and often encountered in stable economic contexts.
- Walking Inflation: Characterized by a moderate price increase, this type ranges between 3% and 7%. It may signal emerging issues in the economy that require attention.
- Running Inflation: This type reflects a rapid increase in prices above 7%, impacting purchasing power more significantly.
- Hyperinflation: The most extreme form, this involves uncontrolled price rises that can devastate economic stability. It often results from systemic failures within a country's monetary policy.
Based on Causes
- Demand-Pull Inflation: Occurs when the demand for goods and services exceeds their supply, often due to increased consumer spending or government expenditure.
- Cost-Push Inflation: Arises from an increase in production costs, such as wages or raw materials, which can diminish supply, leading to higher prices for consumers.
Understanding these classifications helps delineate the complexities of inflation's impact on the economy, its stakeholders, and the general public.