Stuff They Don't Want You To Know The Post-Pandemic Price Hike Conspiracy
Oct 15, 2025
What’s behind the ongoing spike in prices post-pandemic? The hosts delve into supply chain breakdowns and the rise of grocery profit margins, highlighting the troubling concept of price gouging. They explore the impact of automation and corporate mergers on competition and costs, while also discussing shrinkflation and hidden fees. Additionally, they reflect on how tariffs provide companies an excuse to hike prices unnecessarily. Could persistent inflation signify a silent national emergency? Tune in for a sharp analysis of today's economic landscape.
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Pandemic Amplified Market Power
- The pandemic shock magnified existing market power and let big firms raise prices beyond cost increases.
- The FTC found dominant grocery chains used the crisis to expand margins at consumer expense.
Margins Rose Beyond Cost Pressures
- Grocery retailers' revenues rose more than their costs, creating larger-than-justified profit margins.
- The FTC tracked margins moving from about 5.6% to over 7% during the pandemic period.
Death By A Thousand Fees
- Companies tack on incremental fees and shrink product sizes to raise effective prices without headline inflation.
- These small changes compound into major consumer cost increases over time.
