Inflation is defined as a sustained increase in the general price level in an economy over a period of time. It can be caused by demand-pull factors like excess money supply or cost-push factors like increases in production costs. There are three main types of inflation - creeping inflation (under 5%), running inflation (8-10%) and hyperinflation (double or triple digit price increases). Governments use monetary policy like increasing interest rates and fiscal policy like increasing taxes or reducing spending to control inflation. Both demand-pull and cost-push inflation impact the economy by hurting consumers and fixed income groups.