|
CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 625-2270 (415) 625-2284 Internet address: http://www.bls.gov/ro9/news.htm |
BLS 09-68 |
Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that a 4.4 percent decrease in gasoline prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area was the primary reason for the 2.7 percent decrease in the special aggregate index for energy in July 2009. Gasoline prices dropped 36.2 percent in the past year, strongly influencing the 26.3 percent fall in overall energy prices for the same period. The household energy index declined 0.3 percent from June to July and was 1.0 percent lower than one year ago. Within household fuels, prices for both electricity and utility (piped) gas service were unchanged for the month. Over the year, electricity prices decreased 0.3 percent, but utility (piped) gas service prices jumped 13.4 percent.
Grocery prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) food at home index, moved down 2.0 percent for the month. Compared to July 2008, grocery prices were 3.3 percent lower. The food at home index now stands at 225.822. This means grocery shoppers in the Seattle area spent $225.82 in July 2009 for a basket of food items that cost $100.00 in 1982-84.
Shelter prices decreased 0.2 percent for the month, but were 1.9 percent higher over the year. Within shelter, the rent of primary residence index decreased 0.2 percent in June, but increased 2.7 percent over the year. The owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index moved down 0.5 percent over the month, but advanced 3.2 percent since June 2008. Also included in shelter, but not part of the publication structure, are price data for lodging away from home. 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: August 28, 2009
