Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that a 5.8 percent decrease in gasoline prices was the primary reason for a 4.3 percent decrease in the special aggregate index for energy in September 2008. Dominated by a 29.9 percent over-the-year increase in gasoline, energy prices rose 18.3 percent for the same period. The household energy index decreased 0.4 percent from August to September and was 0.7 percent lower than one year ago. Within the household energy index, prices for electricity and utility (piped) gas service were both unchanged from August to September. Over the year, electricity prices advanced 0.7 percent, while prices for utility (piped) gas service declined 11.9 percent.

Shelter prices increased 0.9 percent in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area in September and were 5.8 percent higher over the year. Within shelter, the rent of primary residence index residence increased 0.7 percent for the month and rose 7.7 percent over the year. The owners equivalent rent of primary residence index advanced 1.3 percent this month and was 7.3 percent higher than in September 2007. Also included in shelter, but not part of the publication structure, are price data for lodging away from home.

Grocery prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) food at home index, decreased 0.6 percent for the month. Compared to one year ago, grocery prices were 6.6 percent higher. The food at home index now stands at 228.552. This means grocery shoppers in the Seattle area spent $228.55 in September 2008 for a basket of food items that cost $100.00 in 1982-84. Local area CPI data are not seasonally adjusted.

Please click here for a text formatted copy of the table issued with this release.

Last Modified Date: October 16, 2008