The worst thing about it, is that OUR prices are rising, we're seeing a rise in OUR price, from distributors or wholesalers because of all this fear. Its tough to make any profit at all, if we keep prices the same. Until we start to manufacturer our own parts, I see this continually happening to us. Its really ridiculous.
On the other end, it really is, supply and demand, simple economics, and of course, there are those that do jack up, just to make a profit, but there is always a mix in the two.
The supplies are limited, mainly through government intervention as well, and the demand is getting higher and higher because people feel more uncomfortable with politicians and policies, the economy as well.
Some of it is legit, some if it isn't.