Mike Hosking: Govt are in a fuel subsidy precedent they can't get out of

The proof in the pudding that if you hand out free stuff people become addicted, is to be found in the already alarming concerns being expressed as to how life will continue at the end of this month, and then again, at the end of March when the fuel subsidies come off.

The warning is already out from the transport people over the price of everything that’s transported, which is, well, basically everything.

Costs will have to be passed on - it's the phrase of the age.

Mike Hosking: The Government are digging a deeper financial hole

As schools return, let’s begin the term with a little Economics 101.

When you artificially inject yourself into an economy with the view to helping people out financially, what do you do?

Do you: