CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 625-2270 (415) 625-2284 Internet address: http://www.bls.gov/ro9/news.htm

BLS 09-32 FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that shelter prices decreased 0.2 percent in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area in March, but were 4.1 percent higher over the year. Within shelter, the rent of primary residence index residence was unchanged in March, yet rose 4.9 percent over the year. The owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index declined 0.3 percent this month, but was 5.3 percent higher than one year ago.

The 0.6 percent decrease in gasoline prices was the primary reason for the 0.7 percent decline in the special aggregate index for energy in March 2009. Gasoline prices dropped 37.5 percent over the year, strongly influencing the 24.9 percent fall in overall energy prices. The household energy index decreased 0.3 percent from February to March, but was 1.1 percent higher than one year ago.

Grocery prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) food at home index, increased 0.3 percent for the month. Compared to March 2008, grocery prices were 6.3 percent higher. The food at home index now stands at 235.807. This means grocery shoppers in the Seattle area spent $235.81 in March 2009 for a basket of food items that cost $100.00 in 1982-84. Local area CPI data are not seasonally adjusted.

__________________________________________________________________
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