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BLS 09-50 |
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 advanced 0.4 percent in May, following a 0.1 percent increase in April. For the year ending May 2009, overall prices decreased 1.8 percent largely due to falling transportation prices. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden noted that the special aggregate index for energy decreased 30.7 percent since May 2008. During this same period the special index for all items less food and energy increased 0.9 percent. Local Consumer Price Index data are not seasonally adjusted.
Transportation prices in the Los Angeles area advanced 1.4 percent in May and gasoline prices rose 7.2 percent. Between May 2008 and May 2009 though, transportation prices decreased 13.3 percent, dominated by a drop of 36.6 percent in gasoline prices. The transportation index comprises slightly more than 16 percent of the Los Angeles CPI all items index.
The housing index, which accounts for about 47 percent of the Los Angeles area’s all items index, rose 0.4 percent in May and 0.6 percent compared to 12 months ago. Shelter prices inched down 0.1 percent in May, but increased 1.5 percent for the year. Household fuels and utilities increased 4.1 percent for the month, but decreased 10.2 percent since May 2008. Within household fuels and utilities, prices for utility (piped) gas service advanced by 3.6 percent and electricity prices by 7.3 percent for the month. Since May 2008, the utility (piped) gas service index fell 49.0 percent, but the electricity index increased 4.7 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations increased by 1.3 percent in May and 2.6 percent from one year ago.
The Los Angeles area’s food and beverages index inched up 0.1 percent in May. Over the past 12 months, prices for food and beverages advanced 2.0 percent. The food at home index, which measures grocery prices, edged down 0.1 percent in May, but increased 0.8 percent from a year ago. Food away from home prices advanced 0.3 percent for the month and 4.1 percent for the year. Prices for alcoholic beverages increased 0.4 percent over the month, but declined 2.1 percent over the year.
Apparel prices decreased 1.6 percent in May and 3.2 percent in the past 12 months. Medical care prices edged up 0.1 percent for the month and advanced 2.8 percent for the year.
Education and communication prices crept up 0.1 percent in May and increased 3.6 percent in the past 12 months.
In the Los Angeles area, recreation prices advanced 0.6 percent in May, but declined 2.4 percent for the year. The other goods and services index decreased 0.9 percent for the month, but rose 4.0 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 222.522 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $222.52 in May 2009.
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Last Modified Date: June 17, 2009
