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BLS 08-85 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 Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County area decreased 0.5 percent in September, following a 0.6 percent decrease for August. The annual increase for the year ending September 2008 was 4.5 percent. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden noted that rising prices for transportation and housing provided the greatest contributions to the 12-month gain. The special aggregate energy index fell 6.8 percent in September, but has increased 21.5 percent over the past year. Local Consumer Price Index data are not seasonally adjusted.

Transportation prices in the Los Angeles area declined 3.3 percent in September. However, over the past year, transportation prices increased 9.3 percent. The transportation index comprises about 19 percent of the CPI all items index and accounted for the largest annual increase among the eight major CPI expenditure categories. Within transportation, gasoline prices declined 7.4 percent over the past month, but increased 30.3 percent over the past year.

The housing index, which accounts for about 46 percent of the Los Angeles areas all items index, crept down 0.2 percent in September, but advanced 2.8 percent compared to 12 months ago. Shelter, household fuels and utilities, and household furnishings and operations are all components of the housing index. Shelter edged down 0.1 percent over the month, but advanced 2.9 percent over the year. Household fuels and utilities dropped 3.6 percent for the month, but advanced 5.1 percent since September 2007. Within household fuels and utilities, prices for utility (piped) gas service index fell 13.8 percent and electricity prices were unchanged in September. Since September 2007, the utility (piped) gas service index jumped 16.4 percent, while electricity prices decreased 2.3 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations advanced 1.5 percent in September and were up 0.3 percent from a year ago.

The Los Angeles areas food and beverages index grew 0.7 percent in September and 5.9 percent over the past 12 months. The food at home index, which measures grocery prices, advanced 0.8 percent in September and advanced 7.8 percent from a year ago. Food away from home prices increased 0.7 percent in September and advanced 3.8 percent compared to a year ago. Additionally, prices for alcoholic beverages were unchanged over the past month, but rose 4.0 percent since September 2007.

In September 2008, medical care prices increased 0.7 percent and have advanced 4.4 percent since last year.

Apparel prices jumped 2.4 percent in September. This was the largest monthly increase among the eight major CPI expenditure categories. Compared to a year ago, apparel prices in Los Angeles were 3.9 percent higher.

The Los Angeles area education and communication index grew 0.8 percent in September and advanced 3.9 percent over the past 12 months.

The remaining two major expenditure categories, the recreation and the other goods and services indexes, increased 0.7 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively, in September. Over the past year, recreation prices were up 2.2 percent and other goods and services prices rose 3.5 percent.

The All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area, stands at 227.449 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $227.45 in September 2008.

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Last Modified Date: October 16, 2008