Civil Services Examination · Question 17
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer should be based solely on the passage. Passage: How is deflation done? Most countries use a method called 'double deflation', where input and output prices are deflated separately. Consider a manufacturer importing oil for use in production. If oil prices fall, output prices do not and quantities remain the same, real value added should not change. But if the same deflator is used for inputs and outputs, as in India, it would look as if the manufacturer had become more productive. Which of the following assumptions is/are valid? 1. Deflation strategies can be used to make manufacturers appear to be doing better than they actually are. 2. When input and output prices are both deflated against a single input price, it is referred to as 'double deflation'. Select the answer using the code given below.
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Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation
Using one deflator for both inputs and outputs makes the manufacturer look more productive (1). Double deflation means deflating inputs and outputs separately, so 2 is wrong.