Explain "supply shock."

A supply shock refers to a sudden and unexpected event that disrupts the supply of goods in the market, leading to a significant decrease in the availability of those goods. This can happen due to various factors such as natural disasters, sudden geopolitical events, or the outbreak of disease affecting production facilities. When supply is suddenly reduced while demand remains the same, it typically leads to higher prices and can create shortages in the market as consumers compete for limited products.

Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing economic conditions and responding to market changes. For example, a sudden oil supply shock, due to geopolitical tensions, can lead to a spike in gas prices, affecting transportation and the costs of goods broadly across the economy. This contrasts with the other options, which either relate to demand factors or inflationary trends rather than the sudden impact on supply.