1100% hike in gas prices compared to the previ­ous year is news of tough winters ahead. This hike, being a major contributor to over 40% increase in short-term inflation, reflects poorly on the manage­ment and mitigation of the adverse effects on millions of households. Policies of increasing prices of essential commodi­ties, fuel, and gas must be deliberated extensively be­fore implementation. A 10% jump in the Sensitive Price In­dicator (SPI) compared to last week indicates a lack of such thoughtfulness. People should get maximum relief and frequent price hikes must be avoided at all costs.

Source: The Nation November 19, 2023 06:45 UTC