Inflation in 2026: Where $100 Loses the Most Purchasing Power
B2 ESL lesson based on Visual Capitalist information about inflation, purchasing power and everyday costs.
B2EconomicsData literacy
Before you read
Inflation means that prices rise over time. When inflation is high, the same amount of money buys fewer goods and services. This lesson looks at countries where $100 is projected to lose the most purchasing power by the end of 2026.
Warm-up
1. What items have become more expensive where you live?
2. Why is high inflation difficult for ordinary families?
3. What do people do when they are afraid prices will rise quickly?
Read the adapted B2 text. Click reveal to show the answer in green and highlight the exact evidence.
Inflation affects economies all over the world, but it is most visible in countries where prices are rising very fast. In high-inflation countries, savings lose value quickly and everyday essentials become harder to afford.
The Visual Capitalist graphic shows what might happen to the value of $100 by the end of 2026 in the world’s highest-inflation countries. In Venezuela, $100 at the start of the year is projected to be worth only $31 by the end of 2026. This means that more than two thirds of its purchasing power could disappear in one year.
Other countries are also expected to see a large loss in value. The data shows Sudan at $61 and Iran at $67 by the end of the year. Countries such as Bolivia, Argentina and Türkiye are also listed among places where $100 may lose significant value.
High inflation changes people’s behaviour. People may rush to spend their money on basic goods before prices rise again. Families may shop more often, buy essential products in advance, or reduce spending on non-essential items.
The article explains that Sudan faces extreme price pressure partly because of war. Infrastructure, business activity and agriculture have been badly affected. Iran has also experienced high inflation for years, and conflict has increased uncertainty and panic buying.
When money does not go as far as before, people need more money to buy the same goods and services. This can make everyday life stressful, especially when wages do not rise as quickly as prices.
Questions
1. Why is inflation especially visible in high-inflation countries?
Because savings lose value quickly and everyday essentials become harder to afford.
2. What is projected to happen to $100 in Venezuela by the end of 2026?
It is projected to be worth only $31.
3. Which other countries are mentioned as places where $100 may lose significant value?
Bolivia, Argentina and Türkiye are mentioned.
4. How can high inflation change people’s behaviour?
People may rush to spend money on basic goods before prices rise again.
5. What does it mean when money “does not go as far”?
People need more money to buy the same goods and services.
Data from the graphic
Country
Purchasing power of $100 by end of 2026
🇻🇪 Venezuela
$31
🇸🇩 Sudan
$61
🇮🇷 Iran
$67
🇧🇴 Bolivia
$79
🇦🇷 Argentina
$80
🇹🇷 Türkiye
$80
🇲🇼 Malawi
$81
🇭🇹 Haiti
$82
🇧🇮 Burundi
$84
🇲🇲 Myanmar
$85
Vocabulary
Exercise 1: Choose the best meaning
Click an answer. It turns green if correct or red if incorrect.
1. purchasing power
the amount of money a government prints
how much goods and services money can buy
the speed at which people shop
2. essentials
basic things people need
luxury products
financial investments
3. projected
already finished
hidden from the public
estimated for the future
4. volatility
complete stability
rapid and unpredictable change
a simple tax rule
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences
1. If prices rise quickly, families may struggle to afford everyday ______.
necessities
luxuries
exports
2. Inflation can ______ the value of savings.
preserve
multiply
erode
3. People sometimes buy goods early to avoid future price ______.
discounts
increases
stability
Grammar: Cause and effect language
Examples Prices rise quickly, so people may spend money before it loses value. Because of war and supply problems, prices can increase rapidly. High inflation can lead to panic buying.
Use cause and effect language to explain economic problems clearly.
Exercise 1: Choose the best connector
1. Inflation is high, ____ savings lose value quickly.
although
so
unless
2. ____ supply disruptions, prices continue to rise.
Because of
Despite of
In order to
3. Rising prices can ____ panic buying.
result from
compare with
lead to
Exercise 2: Rewrite using the word in brackets
1. Prices are rising. People need more money. (so)
Prices are rising, so people need more money.
2. War has damaged production. Prices are increasing. (because of)
Because of damage to production caused by war, prices are increasing.
3. Money loses value quickly. People spend it sooner. (lead to)
Money losing value quickly can lead to people spending it sooner.
Discussion
Talk about it
1. Which country in the graphic surprised you most? Why?
2. What is the difference between inflation and high inflation?
3. How does inflation affect young people, families and older people differently?
4. What should governments do when prices rise quickly?
Useful language
Interpreting data: The data shows that...
Explaining cause: This may be because...
Explaining impact: As a result, families may...
Comparing: Compared with..., the loss of value is...
Mini task
Write a short paragraph explaining why high inflation can make everyday life difficult. Use at least two cause-and-effect phrases.
