100,000%

That might be the inflation rate in Zimbabwe, but no one really knows for sure:

Zimbabwe's chief statistician has said it is impossible to work out the country's latest inflation rate because of the lack of goods in shops.

"There are too many data gaps," the Central Statistical Office's Moffat Nyoni told state media.

Many staple goods are often absent from shop shelves after the government ordered prices to be halved or frozen in a bid to stem galloping inflation.

September's inflation rate was put at almost 8,000%, the world's highest.

Other reports suggest the rate could be at near 15,000% and the International Monetary Fund had warned it could reach 100,000% by the end of the year. [via Marginal Revolution]

For Venezuela's sake, I hope someone explains what's going on in Zimbabwe to Hugo Chavez. As for you, Mr. Mugabe, I have two words: "Nicolae Ceausescu."

Damian P.

Update: speaking of Chavez, he's convinced CNN is trying to kill him. I knew that Jack Cafferty fellow seemed suspicious...

Posted by damian at November 28, 2007 11:40 AM