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BLS 08-84 FOR RELEASE: Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today that the All Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the West decreased 0.3 percent in September 2008. During the past 12 months, the overall index increased 4.3 percent. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden noted that the annual increase was primarily due to higher transportation prices. The special all items less food and energy index rose by 0.2 percent in September, but the energy index decreased 5.4 percent. On an annual basis, these indexes rose by 2.4 percent and 21.4 percent, respectively. Regional CPI area data are not seasonally adjusted.

The transportation index, which comprises approximately 19 percent of the all items index, declined 2.8 percent in September. For the year ending September 2008, transportation prices advanced 9.6 percent. Gasoline prices decreased 6.3 percent for the month, but increased 31.9 percent since September 2007. New cars and trucks prices declined 1.2 percent in September and were 2.1 percent lower than a year ago. Since November 2006, prices for new cars and trucks have declined every month on a year-over-year basis.

The housing index was unchanged for September, but rose 2.8 percent since September 2007. The index for shelter, the largest housing component, edged up 0.2 percent for the month and was 2.7 percent higher for the year. Prices for household fuels and utilities decreased 2.6 percent in September, but increased 5.2 percent since last year. Within the fuels and utilities index, electricity prices declined 0.2 percent in September and advanced 3.7 percent from a year ago. Prices for utility (piped) gas service fell 11.5 percent for the month, but increased 5.6 percent over the year. Prices for household furnishings and operations advanced 0.6 percent for the month and increased 1.9 percent for the year.

Food and beverages prices rose 0.4 percent in September 2008 and increased 5.6 percent over the past 12 months. Both food price measures, food at home and food away from home, advanced 0.4 percent in September. Over the year, prices for food at home increased 7.3 percent, and prices for food away from home increased 3.9 percent. Prices for alcoholic beverages rose 0.5 percent in September and 3.4 percent over the year.

The medical care index edged up 0.2 percent for the month and increased 3.7 percent for the year. In September, both medical care commodities and medical care services prices increased 0.2 percent and matched the overall medical care category. Over the latest 12-month period, prices for medical care commodities and medical care services advanced 1.4 and 4.4 percent, respectively.

Apparel prices were up 2.8 percent in September, but decreased 0.8 percent over the past 12 months.

Among the remaining major expenditure categories, prices for education and communication increased 0.9 percent, and prices for other goods and services were up 0.3 percent. Over the past year, prices for education and communication were 3.3 percent higher, and prices for other goods and services were up 3.9 percent. The recreation index inched up 0.2 percent in September and advanced 1.3 percent for the year.

The All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the West stands at 222.132 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $222.13 in September 2008.

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Last Modified Date: October 16, 2008