Bureau of Labor Statistics
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BLS 08-56 |
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES: JUNE 2008
The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported consumer prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area increased 2.2 percent for the two months ending June 2008. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden said that the increase in the all items index was mainly due to higher prices for transportation and, to a lesser extent, housing. From June 2007 to June 2008, overall prices rose 5.8 percent, while the all items less food and energy index increased 4.0 percent. Local Consumer Price Index (CPI) data are not seasonally adjusted.
The transportation index increased 7.1 percent during the past two months primarily due to a 19.7 percent rise in gasoline prices. Over the year, the transportation index rose 11.3 percent and gasoline prices were up 36.1 percent.
The housing index increased 1.7 percent for the two months ending June 2008 and rose 5.7 percent over the year. Shelter, the primary component of housing, increased 1.2 percent over the past two months and was up 7.6 percent compared to one year ago. Within the shelter category, the rent of primary residence index and the owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index both advanced 0.6 percent from April to June. Over the past year, the rent of primary residence index rose 7.9 percent and the owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index advanced 6.9 percent. Shelter also includes lodging away from home, an unpublished subcategory. Fuels and utilities, another component of housing, increased 6.5 percent during the past two months and was 2.1 percent higher over the past 12 months. Within the fuels and utilities index, prices for electricity increased 11.7 percent over the past two months, while prices for utility (piped) gas services were unchanged. Compared to June 2007, prices for electricity increased 2.2 percent, while prices for utility (piped) gas services declined 12.0 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations moved up 1.7 percent during the latest two-month period, but were down 4.4 percent compared to one year ago.
The food and beverages index advanced 1.4 percent from April to June and was 6.0 percent higher over the year. Grocery prices, as measured by the food at home index, increased 1.9 percent over the past two months, and were 6.7 percent higher than a year ago. Food away from home rose 1.5 percent from April to June, and moved up 5.7 percent for the latest 12-month period.
The education and communication index rose 0.6 percent during the recent two-month period and advanced 3.7 percent over the past 12 months.
Medical care prices decreased 1.1 percent for the two months ending in June and edged down 0.1 percent over the year.
Apparel prices declined 2.8 percent for the latest two-month period, but were 1.2 percent higher over the past year.
The recreation index increased 0.4 percent for the past two months and was 2.4 percent higher over the year.
The other goods and services index rose 0.5 percent from April to June and advanced 0.8 percent over the latest 12-month period.
The All Items, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area measured 228.068 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $228.07 in June 2008.
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Last Modified Date: July 16, 2008
