The worst inflation in the country is in Midland, according to Bloomberg, which says inflation in the oil patch has hovered around 10% for the past six months -- higher than any of the other top 400 metropolitan areas tracked by Moody's Analytics.
That's nearly two points higher than the national average. The rebound in oil prices -- West Texas Intermediate is trading at about 104 today -- is bringing more work and more people back to West Texas, and they all need everything: housing, food, boots -- everything.
Strong demand with scarce supply is the classic recipe for inflation. Just one example -- gas station milk in Midland goes for about $6 a gallon right now. And for those without wheels, the nearest gas station is about the best option.
No one can say when the prices -- for everything -- will come back to earth.
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