🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Inflation has reached its highest point since 2023, mainly due to the increasing cost of gasoline. In April, consumer prices were 3.8% higher compared to the same month last year. This rise in inflation affects everyone because it makes everyday items more expensive. Let’s explore why this is happening and what it means for people and the economy.
Firstly, the cost of gasoline has gone up significantly. This is partly because of disruptions in oil supply from countries like Iran, which is a major oil producer. When the supply of oil decreases, prices tend to rise because there is less available on the market. Higher gas prices mean that transporting goods becomes more expensive too. As a result, the prices of other items, such as food and clothing, also increase because it costs more to get them to stores.
Housing costs have also seen a rise. More people are looking to buy homes, but there aren’t enough houses on the market. This shortage drives up prices, making it more expensive to buy or rent a home. Additionally, the cost of building new homes is higher due to increased prices for materials like lumber and steel. This situation puts extra pressure on those looking for affordable housing.
Another factor contributing to inflation is the increase in wages. Companies are paying workers more to attract and retain staff, which is good for employees. However, businesses often pass these costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. For many people, this means their paychecks don’t stretch as far as they used to, even if they are earning more.
In summary, the current inflation spike is primarily due to higher gasoline costs, rising housing prices, and increased wages. These changes have a significant effect on the economy and the daily lives of individuals. It’s important to understand these factors so people can better manage their finances and plan for the future.
📝 Vocabulary
- Inflation: the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises（インフレーション）
例文: “Inflation has caused the cost of living to increase.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- inflation rate
- combat inflation
- inflation pressure
- Consumer: a person who purchases goods and services（消費者）
例文: “Consumers are paying more for everyday items.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- consumer demand
- consumer spending
- consumer behavior
- Disruption: disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process（混乱・妨害）
例文: “The storm caused a major disruption in the power supply.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- cause disruption
- disruption in
- major disruption
- Shortage: a situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts（不足）
例文: “There is a shortage of affordable housing in the city.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- severe shortage
- shortage of
- face a shortage
- Retain: to keep possession of something（保持する）
例文: “Companies are trying to retain skilled workers by offering better benefits.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- retain employees
- retain control
- retain information
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “Inflation has reached its highest point since 2023.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
現在の状況が過去の出来事にどのように影響されているかを説明する際に使われます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: Inflation has decreased in recent months.
- MCQ: What is one major reason for the rise in gasoline prices?
a) Increased demand
b) Disruptions in oil supply
c) New government taxes
d) Decreased production costs - MCQ: Why are housing costs increasing?
a) More houses being built
b) Decreased demand for homes
c) Shortage of available houses
d) Lower material costs
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b) Disruptions in oil supply
- c) Shortage of available houses
📚 Reading Questions
- What are the three main factors contributing to the current inflation spike?
- Why do businesses pass the cost of increased wages onto consumers?
- What does the word “shortage” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Higher gasoline costs, rising housing prices, increased wages
- To cover the higher expenses, businesses increase prices
- It means a lack of enough housing to meet demand
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
最近のインフレーションの上昇は、ガソリン価格の急騰が主な原因となっています。イランなどの主要産油国からの供給が不安定になり、ガソリン価格が高騰しています。また、住宅の需要が高まっているにもかかわらず、供給不足が続いています。このため、住宅価格が上昇しています。さらに、人件費の増加も物価上昇に拍車をかけています。これにより、日本を含む多くの国々で生活費が増加し、消費者の購買力に影響を与えています。今後の見通しとして、中央銀行が金利政策を見直す可能性があり、経済の安定化を図る動きが予想されます。
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5818279/inflation-cpi-gas-prices-housing-fuel-iran-war
