That has led to sharp rises in prices for new and used cars — if there are any left on the lot — and to scalpers snatching’ up the latest video game consoles to resell at inflated prices. Many industries, including oil refineries, car factories and airlines, cut staff and production in 2020 at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving them understaffed when demand for travel roared back. Gas prices only started falling in the summer, after a prolonged rise at the start of the year. And rising natural gas prices have led to spikes in the cost of electricity, sending energy bills soaring in some cities. The federal government has taken steps to combat rising prices.

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