I wonder if there are countries where, as a result of the pandemic, the economy rebuilt on a "critical track", which led to a decrease in prices due to a decrease in the global purchasing power of the population caused by the consequences of a global pandemic?
In our far from ideal economy, in Ukraine, prices have also increased recently, and "in all directions". From food and medical supplies to utility prices. Plus, in 2021 another rise in property prices began, which looks rather strange
How much of this increase is due to inflation? I know that the national currency (UAH) is prone to inflation, but the exchange rates seems to be stable for the last few years (in fact I could see strengthening of UAH against USD since the beginning of this year). So how much is retail inflation in Ukraine? Is it very high, like 20%-25% something? Here in my country (Singapore) also we are witnessing an increase in inflation rate, but this was mostly blamed on the increase in petroleum and natural gas prices.
A very good but difficult question ...
Nominally, for the last 5 years we have not had noticeable inflation (fluctuations in the range of 25-28 UAH / dollar), and in the last half of the year there has even been deflation (a drop in the exchange rate from 28 to 27). At the same time, there is also an increase in the minimum pension, the minimum wage - from 2014 to 2021 it increased from the level of UAH 1,218 to UAH 6,000. But you probably know that our companies often pay salaries in 2 parts - the first part is "official" (usually at the level of the minimum wage or slightly higher) and the second - "in an envelope", unofficial and most. The first, smaller part is the tax-generating part. Yes, this is a systematic tax evasion, but this is bad ... There was also a period of fairly active economic growth (2015-2019, the previous president) and the filling of state funds, now there is deflation, but most likely it is "manual" because under the new President, the economy began to "slide to the bottom", state revenues fell dramatically, but so far they are trying to manually create the appearance of "stability". If we compare prices for basic food products, medicines, then prices in 2019 were about 1.5-2 times lower than now .. Plus, the new government again untied the oligarchs' hands, who again monopolize the market for heat carriers, electricity, which led to a noticeable increase utilities 1.5 - 2 times. True, we have a system of state compensation for low-income people, which allows low-income people to level their utilities. In fact, the state pays for these services ... But as we know, "There is no" state money ", there is only taxpayers' money" (c) Margaret Thatcher.
In total, it seems to be not bad, but if you look at it, then there are problems on the horizon and significant ones if we do not take measures.
PS Oh! Singapore! I traveled a couple of times towards Indonesia / Bali, flew both times through Singapore, always stopped for a couple of days - Sentosa Island, Orchid National Park, architecture, ... A very interesting country!