VOA标准英语2008年-Venezuela Hopes New Currency Will Curb Inflatio

By Brian Wagner
Caracas
07 January 2008
 

Venezuela has launched a new currency aimed, in part, at curbing¹ high inflation rates in the oil-producing nation. Prices have risen in Venezuela due to soaring consumer demand, creating shortages of milk, sugar and automobiles². VOA's Brian Wagner has more.

Soaring international oil prices have been a boon³ for Venezuela's economy. Higher prices have generated windfalls for the state-run oil company and its employees, and pumped new money into consumer lending banks. The result has been a soaring demand for luxury items and automobiles, especially trucks and other large vehicles.

Car salesman Rigoberto Guaramata says dealers⁴ are struggling to keep up with supply and demand. He says, "Many car dealers now have waiting lists because demand for vehicles is growing, but supply has not kept pace."

Easy credit and low gasoline prices have helped car sales. A tank of gas costs only a couple of dollars. Interior designer Laura Lozano says, like many others, she is taking advantage of favorable conditions to buy a second car. "Everyone should have a car, so they don't have to take the subway or taxi and wait in line. In your own car, you also avoid the risk of getting mugged," she adds.

High demand for many goods also pushed up inflation to more than 22 percent last year. Government price controls in recent years have led to shortages for cars as well as milk, sugar and other foods, prompting officials to seek another solution.

On January 1, Venezuela launched a newly designed currency that removed three zeroes from denominations⁵. Goods once priced at 80,000 Bolivares, now say 80 [equivalent to US $32.]

In a televised speech, Central Bank President Gaston Parra said the change will strengthen the economy. "It was necessary to leave behind a history of problems caused by high inflation," he said.

Some economists⁶ say the new currency alone may do little to ease inflation. Salesman Guaramata says there is concern that retailers⁷ will take advantage of the change to raise their prices. "The new currency could allow car dealers to raise prices, as much as 50 percent on new cars," adds Guaramata. "In fact, many dealers raised their prices before the change."

International oil prices have surged even higher in recent days, suggesting Venezuelan shoppers may continue spending well into the new year.

 

1 curbing   

n.边石，边石的材料v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Progress has been made in curbing inflation. 在控制通货膨胀方面已取得了进展。
• A range of policies have been introduced aimed at curbing inflation. 为了抑制通货膨胀实施了一系列的政策。

2 automobiles   

n.汽车( automobile的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• When automobiles become popular,the use of the horse and buggy passed away. 汽车普及后，就不再使用马和马车了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Automobiles speed in an endless stream along the boulevard. 宽阔的林荫道上，汽车川流不息。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 boon   

n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠

参考例句：

• A car is a real boon when you live in the country.在郊外居住，有辆汽车确实极为方便。
• These machines have proved a real boon to disabled people.事实证明这些机器让残疾人受益匪浅。

4 dealers   

n.商人( dealer的名词复数 )；贩毒者；毒品贩子；发牌者

参考例句：

• There was fast bidding between private collectors and dealers. 私人收藏家和交易商急速竞相喊价。
• The police were corrupt and were operating in collusion with the drug dealers. 警察腐败，与那伙毒品贩子内外勾结。

5 denominations   

n.宗派( denomination的名词复数 )；教派；面额；名称

参考例句：

• Christians of all denominations attended the conference. 基督教所有教派的人都出席了这次会议。
• The service was attended by Christians of all denominations. 这次礼拜仪式各教派的基督徒都参加了。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 retailers   

零售商，零售店( retailer的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• High street retailers reported a marked increase in sales before Christmas. 商业街的零售商报告说圣诞节前销售量显著提高。
• Retailers have a statutory duty to provide goods suitable for their purpose. 零售商有为他们提供符合要求的货品的法定义务。