CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 625-2270 (415) 625-2283 Internet address: http://www.bls.gov/ro9/news.htm

BLS 09-30 FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, April 15, 2009

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, CA area did not change in March, following a 0.3 percent increase for February. For the year ending March 2009, overall prices decreased 1.0 percent largely due to falling household energy and motor fuel prices. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden noted that the special aggregate index for energy decreased 31.2 percent since March 2008. During this same period the special index for all items less food and energy increased 1.6 percent. Local Consumer Price Index data are not seasonally adjusted.

Transportation prices in the Los Angeles area edged up 0.1 percent in March, but gasoline prices declined 1.8 percent. Between March 2008 and March 2009, transportation prices decreased 12.8 percent, dominated by a drop of 38.2 percent in gasoline prices. The transportation index comprises about 16 percent of the Los Angeles CPI all items index.

The Los Angeles area’s food and beverages index declined 0.5 percent in March. Over the past 12 months, prices for food and beverages rose 3.2 percent. The food at home index, which measures grocery prices, decreased 0.5 percent in March, but increased 3.5 percent from a year ago. Food away from home prices declined 0.7 percent for the month, but advanced 3.0 percent for the year. Prices for alcoholic beverages increased 0.6 percent and 1.8 percent over the past month and year, respectively.

The housing index, which accounts for about 47 percent of the Los Angeles area’s all items index, did not change in March, yet advanced 0.9 percent compared to 12 months ago. Shelter prices also showed no change in March, yet increased 1.8 percent for the year. Household fuels and utilities decreased 0.8 percent for the month and 9.1 percent since March 2008. Within household fuels and utilities, prices for utility (piped) gas service declined 4.0 percent, while electricity prices were unchanged for the month. Since March 2008, the utility (piped) gas service index fell 37.5 percent and the electricity index declined 3.7 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations increased 0.5 percent in March and increased 1.0 percent from a year ago.

Apparel prices increased 0.5 percent in March and rose 3.5 percent in the past 12 months. In March 2008, medical care prices increased 0.3 percent for the month and 2.8 percent for the year. Education and communication prices declined 0.4 percent in March, but advanced 3.7 percent in the past 12 months.

In the Los Angeles area, recreation prices declined 0.5 in March, yet advanced 0.4 percent for the year. The other goods and services index increased 1.3 percent for the month and 3.9 percent from one year ago.

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 221.376 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $221.38.

__________________________________________________________________
Information in this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.
Voice phone 202-691-5200
TDD message referral phone number: 800-877-8339
__________________________________________________________________

 

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

 

Last Modified Date: April 15, 2009