You do not need to be evil villains in a dimly lit boardroom for such things. It is simply a matter of self interest, and each actor can easily independently ar

You do not need to be evil villains in a dimly lit boardroom for such things. It is simply a matter of self interest, and each actor can easily independently arrive at it. There is a general atmosphere of confusion and chaos and the public knows there are issues with supply chains and manufacturing, so who's to know the increase in prices is really due to legitimate issues or just a silent hike in profiteering. The consumer is none the wiser at that moment.