Venezuela Teeters Back on Hyperinflation as Prices Surge

Venezuela could soon enter another hyperinflationary period as President Nicolas Maduro cranked up the money-printing press to increase spending at year-end, according to private estimates.

Data from a private research group shows that the nation’s consumer price index likely rose by 37% in December from the month prior, with items such as clothing and restaurant meals jumping more than 50%, the monthly threshold most economists use to determine hyperinflation. The data from the Venezuelan Finance Observatory, which is led by opposition legislators, also showed food prices increased 49% on the month while annual inflation reached 306%.