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RBA Warns Energy Shock Will Push Prices Up Fast as Markets Weigh More Hikes

Stretched capacity leaves the bank bracing for quicker pass-through into household costs.

Overview

  • Sarah Hunter, speaking Tuesday at the Bloomberg Forum in Sydney, said higher oil costs will lift consumer prices quickly because the economy is running near its limits.
  • The RBA has lifted the cash rate to 4.35% after three increases this year, fully reversing the cuts it delivered in 2025.
  • Early signs of pass-through are visible as some companies add fuel surcharges and construction firms review prices on new contracts.
  • The bank bases its outlook on a quick Gulf resolution, with a longer Hormuz closure seen lifting inflation further as Brent trades above $110 a barrel.
  • Investors are parsing Hunter’s remarks and Tuesday’s board minutes for signals on a June move, with some banks tipping a hike while money markets assign low odds but still price in at least one rise by November.