Bureau of Labor Statistics
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BLS 08-79 |
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES: AUGUST 2008
The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported consumer prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area edged down 0.1 percent for the two months ending August 2008. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden said that the decrease in the all items index was primarily due to lower prices for transportation. From August 2007 to August 2008, overall prices rose 5.4 percent, while the all items less food and energy index increased 3.4 percent. Local Consumer Price Index (CPI) data are not seasonally adjusted.
The transportation index decreased 1.7 percent during the past two months, primarily due to a 7.2 percent drop in gasoline prices. Over the year, the transportation index rose 12.3 percent and gasoline prices were up 41.9 percent.
The housing index was unchanged for the two months ending August 2008, yet rose 4.3 percent over the year. Shelter, the primary component of housing, increased 0.3 percent over the past two months and was up 5.5 percent compared to one year ago. Within the shelter category, the rent of primary residence index rose 1.2 percent and the owners' equivalent rent of primary residence index advanced 0.8 percent from June to August. Over the past year, the rent of primary residence index rose 7.5 percent and the owners' equivalent rent of primary residence index increased 6.6 percent. Shelter also includes lodging away from home, an unpublished subcategory. Fuels and utilities, another component of housing, increased 0.2 percent during the past two months and was 2.2 percent higher over the past 12 months. Within the fuels and utilities index, prices for electricity were unchanged percent over the past two months, while prices for utility (piped) gas services edged up 0.1 percent. Compared to August 2007, prices for electricity increased 2.2 percent, while prices for utility (piped) gas services declined 11.9 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations moved down 2.8 percent during the latest two-month period and were 3.0 percent lower compared to one year ago.
The food and beverages index advanced 0.3 percent from June to August and was 5.8 percent higher over the year. Grocery prices, as measured by the food at home index, inched up 0.1 percent over the past two months and were 8.0 percent higher than a year ago. Food away from home rose 0.7 percent from June to August and moved up 3.7 percent for the latest 12-month period.
Apparel prices declined 2.2 percent for the latest two-month period and were 0.7 percent lower over the past year.
Medical care prices increased 2.0 percent for the two months ending in August and advanced 1.1 percent over the year.
The education and communication index rose 0.4 percent during the recent two-month period and advanced 3.4 percent over the past 12 months.
The recreation index increased 1.5 percent for the past two months and was 4.0 percent higher over the year.
The other goods and services index was unchanged from June to August, yet advanced 2.1 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 227.745 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $227.75 in August 2008.
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Last Modified Date: September 19, 2008
