Chinese inflation accelerates for first time in months

China’s inflation accelerated for the first time in months, compounding the economic difficulties for millions of people.

Higher energy and food prices pushed inflation up, adding to cost worries in a country that until recently was threatened with deflation.

Analysts fear that a protracted conflict in the Middle East could pile more pressure on China, the world’s biggest oil importer, adding to the squeeze on households at a time when youth unemployment is at almost 18%.

Millions have taken to criticizing authorities on social media, despite the risks of retribution. In the past, a single critique of China’s leadership would have been noteworthy; “today, you see so much of it that it barely even registers anymore,” an analyst said.