The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported consumer prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area increased 0.7 percent for the two months ending April 2008. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden said that the increase in the all items index was mainly due to higher prices for transportation. From April 2007 to April 2008, overall prices rose 3.4 percent, while the all items less food and energy index increased 2.6 percent. Local Consumer Price Index (CPI) data are not seasonally adjusted.

The transportation index increased 3.5 percent during the past two months primarily due to a 12.9 percent rise in gasoline prices. Over the year, the transportation index rose 4.8 percent and gasoline prices were up 15.2 percent.

The food and beverages index advanced 1.2 percent from February to April and was 5.2 percent higher over the year. Grocery prices, as measured by the food at home index, increased 2.8 percent over the past two months and had the greatest impact on the food and beverages index. Compared to one year ago, grocery prices were 5.5 percent higher. Food away from home declined 1.2 percent from February to April, but moved up 4.5 percent for the latest 12 month period.

The housing index was unchanged for the two months ending April 2008, yet rose 3.3 percent over the year. Shelter, the primary component of housing, increased 0.5 percent over the past two months and was up 5.3 percent compared to one year ago. Within the shelter category, the rent of primary residence index rose 1.0 percent and the owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index advanced 1.3 percent over the two month period. Over the past year, the rent of primary residence index rose 8.6 percent and the owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence index advanced 6.8 percent. Shelter also includes lodging away from home, an unpublished subcategory. The fuels and utilities index, another component of housing, decreased 3.7 percent during the past two months and was 1.8 percent lower over the past 12 months. Prices for household furnishings and operations were down 0.6 percent during the latest two month period and 6.4 percent compared to one year ago.

Apparel prices rose 0.9 percent for the latest two month period, but were 3.5 percent lower over the past year.

Medical care prices declined 2.4 percent for the two months ending in April, but were 3.0 percent higher than in April 2007.

The education and communication index rose 0.3 percent during the recent two-month period and advanced 3.1 percent over the past 12 months.

The recreation index decreased 0.3 percent for the past two months, but was 2.5 percent higher over the year.

The other goods and services index declined 0.6 percent from February to April and advanced 1.2 percent over the latest 12-month period.

The All Items, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area measured 223.196 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $223.20 in April 2008.

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