Cause of inflation not easy to identify

During the height of the pandemic, demand and supply decreased. As the pandemic slows, demand increases as the supply shortfall continues.

Producers can ask for and get higher prices. The incentive to hold back inventory, whether it’s oil in the ground, grain in private storage, beef on the hoof, or ketchup — and storing it until one gets a higher price for it — is normal, human nature. It’s capitalism.

Demand continues to increase the price for goods. Then, “piling on” by wholesalers and retailers keep prices rising, both here and worldwide. The Ukrainian war comes along and doubles the price of natural gas and oil, if not grains, by lessening supplies.

Intermittent gouging occurs too, camouflaged by the broad overall inflation. Then the Federal Reserve piles on 3-4% to the cost of money.

So how, with all due respect to Fox News Channel, is this the fault of one party?

Milo Mason, West Palm Beach, Fla.