Types and Consequences of Inflation


Inflation affects the economy at different levels.  It vary from vary mild to very strong in nature. These are classified into different types of inflation, and each will have its own impact on the economy. 
There are types  of inflation, they are;
1) Hyperinflation
It is the extreme form of inflation. It is also called runaway inflation or Galloping inflation. In hyperinflation people will lose confidence in the currency’s efficiency to carry out the functions on money and will become unacceptable as medium of exchange.
2) Creeping inflation
In creeping inflation prices of goods and services rise at very low level and economists are of the opinion that, it gives optimism and in turn increase productivity and output. 
3) Suppressed inflation
It is the situation where the effect of inflation can be minimised by the use of price control by the government.

There are some consequences of inflation.  These consequences will create many adverse impact on the economy, with regard to its distribution, saving, finance and balance of payment.
 (1)When the inflation taken place, some people are able to gain more some people are able to gain more income. While the poor loose the purchasing power of their total income. This situation creates inequalities of distribution of income.
(2) As a result of inflation the saver will get only a reduced value of the amount saved. Therefore inflation is sometimes referred to as tax on savings
 (3) The value of money borrowed is greater than the value of money repaid after inflation. The borrower gains and lender loses their purchasing power.
(4)  At inflation the domestic prices will go up so that exports suffer. At the same time import increases because of comparative lower prices. This will cause a deficit in balance of payments. 
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