The Meaning Of Inflation

Inflation is the rise in the prices of goods over a period. When the condition of inflation occurs in an economy, it minimises your power to buy goods and services. Inflation is the increase in the prices of an economy for a specified period. Each time the prices in an economy increase, every currency unit buys comparatively lesser goods and services. 

Generally, there are three kinds of inflation that occur in an economy – Demand-pull inflation, Cost-push inflation, and Built-in inflation. Also, hyperinflation directly affects the purchasing power of consumers. 

This article will discuss inflation and its effects.

What Is Demand-Pull Inflation? 

When the aggregate demand in the economy increases, the resources to produce the goods fall short. This condition leads to demand-pull inflation. There are several causes of this type of inflation. These include:

• Increase in the money supply in the economy 
• The rise in the Forex reserves 
• Fiscal stimulus
• Government spending
• Depreciation of Rupee
• Increased borrowing
• Low unemployment rate

What Is Cost-Push Inflation?

Cost-push inflation is a condition in the economy where the supply of goods or services increases or decreases even when the demand remains the same. This generally takes place because of monopoly, which means that the market is dominated by a single seller or producer. 

The other reasons for cost-push inflation are as follows:

• Speculation and hoarding of commodities
• Fluctuation in the prices of crude oil 
• Low growth in the agricultural sector
• Defects in the food supply chain
• Rise in the interest rates by RBI
• Substantial rise in the price of inputs
• Defects in the supply chain
• Currency depreciation 

What Is Built-In Inflation? 

Built-in inflation is the result of future expectations. The rise in prices of goods is the result of higher wages and improved living standards. Thus, the prices of the products increase because of the rise in the cost of production. And the cycle keeps on rotating. 

Effects Of Inflation On The Economy

The following are some of the most prominent effects of inflation on the economy:

Effects on production 

The rise in prices of goods and services stimulates its production. As producers are happy to get high profits, they utilise all resources to produce more. However, after reaching the stage of total employment, production stops at a certain point as all resources are fully used. This gives rise to the cornering and hoarding of commodities, although these effects are not always seen. Even after increasing prices, production comes to a standstill position. This condition is referred to as stagflation. 

Effects on employment and income 

Another significant impact of inflation is seen on income and employment. As production and spending increase, the national income also increases. Also, it gives rise to employment opportunities as there is a higher need for workers. However, the income of the people falls because of the massive fall in the purchasing power of the money. 

Effects on business and trade 

Because of factors like high income, enormous spending, and more outstanding production, the internal trade increases in the condition of inflation; however, some firms expand their business to attain higher profits. During inflation, the prices and the wages of the workers stop at a point, giving rise to inequality in the economy. 

Effects of government finance 

During hyperinflation, the government revenue increases, as they get revenue in different forms. These include tax, sales tax, excise duties, and so on. However, the government is expected to spend more; as a result, public expenditure boosts, but the rise in prices reduces the burden of public debt. 

Effects on growth 

On the one hand, where mild inflation contributes to economic growth, hyperinflation can negatively affect the development of an economy. In developing countries like India, benign inflation is the ideal condition. 

Conclusion 

Inflation is a crucial topic that majorly deals with the increase in the prices of an economy throughout a specified period. Each time the prices in an economy increase, every currency unit buys comparatively lesser goods and services. 

There are majorly three types of inflation which show different effects on various sectors of life. Its effects are primarily seen in the distribution of income and wealth, production, income and employment, business and trade, government finance, and, lastly, the economy’s overall growth. It is believed that in developing countries like India, mild inflation is the ideal condition.