Cost of living delivered another blow as RBA warns of ‘supply shocks’ driving up prices

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a dire warning to Australians regarding the cost of living crisis, saying Aussies should prepare for prices to continue to soar amidst ongoing and “more frequent supply shocks”.

Speaking at the CEDA Annual Dinner, RBA boss Philip Lowe addressed Australia’s economic crisis, providing insight into the future of the nation’s economy.

Speech by Philip Lowe, Governor – Price Stability, the Supply Side and Prosperity – at the 2022 Annual @ceda_news Dinner – https://t.co/WKVDP3s7FA

— Reserve Bank of Australia (@RBAInfo) November 22, 2022

“Life is more complicated in a world of supply shocks; an adverse supply shock increases inflation and reduces output and employment,” he said.

“Higher inflation calls for higher interest rates but lower output, and fewer jobs call for lower interest rates. It is likely that we will have to deal with this tension more frequently in the future.

“The supply side looks more challenging than it has been for many years and it is likely to play a more prominent role in inflation outcomes.”

Lowe attributed Australia’s supply issues to global events such as “COVID disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”, and factors such as climate events, globalisation, and the global transition to green energy, warning inflation will continue to rise as a direct result.

“The Board expects to increase interest rates further over the period ahead. We are not on a pre-set path though,” he said.

“We have not ruled out returning to 50 basis point increases if that is necessary. Nor have we ruled out keeping rates unchanged for a time as we assess the state of the economy and the outlook for inflation.”

However, Lowe maintained despite the RBA taking any necessary course of action to stabilise the economy, it is the banking authority’s “priority” to ensure “that this current period of high inflation is only temporary”.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), due to the rising inflation, comfortable retirement for senior Australians has risen by 1.9 per cent, as those over 65 now need to spend $68,014 per year for couples, and $48,266 for singles.

MEDIA RELEASE: Australian retirees face increased cost of living driven by global factors, but super is buffering the impact https://t.co/wtsRBRg9MH pic.twitter.com/R3TxrwXQYL

— ASFA (@asfaAUST) November 16, 2022

ASFA’s latest retirement standards reflect the increase seen in fruit and vegetable prices, up by 16.2 per cent, dairy products up by 12.1 per cent, imported inflation saw oils and fats up 19.3 per cent, coffee up 10.7 per cent and gas 16.6 per cent, and automotive fuel 18.0 per cent.

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in March 2022, indicated that older Australians are already suffering the most from the rising cost of living with pensioners experiencing an annual household living cost of 4.9 per cent.

Head of Prices Statistics at the ABS Michelle Marquardt said the main culprit affecting older Australians is the increase in grocery prices, but household costs also played a large role.

“These households were also more affected by increases in housing costs, as they have relatively higher expenditure levels on utilities, maintenance and repair, and property rates,” Marquardt said.

However, ASFA Deputy CEO, Glen McCrea said that Australian seniors are better off than their counterparts across the globe, saying superannuation has acted as a buffer for the rising inflation.

“The global energy crisis, raw material scarcity, and supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing COVID lockdowns in China are converging to pose significant inflationary challenges globally and here at home,” McCrea said.

“We can take some solace from the fact that the investment we’ve made in superannuation over the last three decades is acting as a buffer in the face of these strong headwinds.

“Governments in Europe and the UK are actively considering raising the retirement age or slashing the amount of pension retirees receive as they struggle to deal with the global economic challenges they are facing.

“In contrast, the Age Pension remains affordable for the Government in Australia where, in aggregate, retirees on average have larger private retirement savings balances than in most countries in the world. This helps cover costs during tougher times, providing a brighter outlook for Australian retirees than is the case for their international counterparts.”