Food, gas and energy: In the United States, inflation is the highest in 39 years

American consumers often feel rising fuel and food prices (Roger Kisby / Bloomberg)

“I pay $ 20 to fill the tank, but I can not fill it anymore, this is a scam,” Delia Scott complained Friday at a gas station in Washington, angered by the increase. Record price in the United States.

A few hours ago, the U.S. Department of Labor, on the one hand, saw gasoline rise by an average of 6.8%, the highest in a year. Swelling Since June 1982.

“It’s so hard! Bread and sugar are so expensive. Everything is so expensive!”, Lamented the unemployed woman over 50.

“You have to go to the market and pay seven dollars when a gallon of milk is 2.39!” According to her, the “absurdity” is even greater, because “because of the coward, people have no money, start working again” and now get paid again.

Earl Walker, another driver, also complained about inflation. “Prices are rising every day,” he said, adding that sometimes, he has to “borrow” because fuel is so high that he can’t go to work.

According to data released on Friday, prices in the energy sector have risen the most in a year (33.3%), as is the case in many countries such as Brazil.

“I can no longer fill the tank, it costs more than $ 100,” explained Walker, a 40-year-old social worker who complained about the increase in the price of chicken in supermarkets.

Gradual increase

Near the same gas station, Edward Harrison, 47, was shopping at Walmart, the largest supermarket chain in the United States.

Harrison admitted that he was less likely to go out and spend more time on the Internet looking for deals, but preferred to go directly to the supermarket near his home.

“Now I have to be very careful,” said the electronics technician, who returns to second-hand products “when needed”.

Last month, prices of new cars rose 11.1% and used cars 31.4%. In October, the increase was even higher.

On the other hand, for those with more resources, the increase in inflation goes more or less unnoticed.

Stephen Gayle, 30, who works for a major energy company, said he only cares about inflation when he receives his bank statements “later”. According to him, prices increased “gradually”.

According to Gayle, there is a very obvious increase in Christmas gifts such as bicycles. “Stores say the increase in transportation costs is to blame,” he commented.

Inflation for the 12-month period from November to November was the highest in 39 years in the United States, while strong consumer demand was affected by supply problems associated with the corona virus infection.

Next to him, 29-year-old researcher Abby Mitchell is now comparing the prices of different brands and products. She has previously admitted, “If you want to buy lettuce, you’re actually buying lettuce without looking at the price.”

However, residents of the capital, which has a large Democratic electorate, did not blame inflation on President Joe Biden, who promised to reverse the trend.

“It’s all down to Govt,” said Stephen Gayle. “The government can’t do much.”

“Biden has done a lot for the people,” Delia Scott told the gas station, “but politicians can do more.”