The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today that the March 2008 All Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the West advanced 1.0 percent for the month. During the past 12 months the overall index increased 3.7 percent. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden noted that higher prices for transportation and housing had the largest effect on the overall monthly and annual increases. Furthermore, the remaining six major expenditure categories also advanced during these respective periods. The energy special aggregate index increased 7.5 percent for the month and increased 14.7 percent since March 2007. Regional CPI area data are not seasonally adjusted.

The transportation index increased 3.3 percent for the month, following a 0.3 percent decrease in February. For the year ending March, transportation prices increased 6.5 percent, matching the annual increase for February. Within this category, gasoline prices jumped 10.7 percent for the month and 20.6 percent for the year. New and used motor vehicle prices inched down 0.1 percent last month and were 0.6 percent lower than in March 2007.

The housing price index increased 0.5 percent for the month and 3.1 percent since March 2007. Prices for shelter, the largest housing component, increased 0.4 percent for the month and were 3.4 percent higher for the year. From February to March, prices for electricity increased 1.2 percent and prices for utility (piped) gas service increased 2.8 percent. For the year, electricity prices increased 5.0 percent, and utility (piped) gas service prices increased 2.0 percent. Prices for household furnishings and operations advanced 0.8 percent for the month, but were 0.4 percent lower than in March 2007.

Food and beverages edged up 0.1 percent in March 2008 and rose 4.0 percent for the past 12 months. Since February 2008, grocery prices, as measured by the food at home index, also edged up 0.1 percent while the food away from home index advanced 0.2 percent. Over the year, prices for groceries increased 4.5 percent and prices for food away from home increased 3.7 percent. Prices for alcoholic beverages did not change in March, yet advanced 3.2 percent since a year ago.

Medical care prices increased 0.6 percent for the month and 4.9 percent for the year. In March, prices for medical care services increased 0.5 percent and medical care commodities prices increased 0.9 percent. Over the latest 12-month period, prices for medical care services advanced 5.0 percent, and prices for medical care commodities advanced 4.4 percent.

Apparel prices increased 2.7 percent in March and increased 0.9 percent over the past 12 months. Recreation prices advanced 0.2 percent for both the month and year.

The education and communication index inched up 0.2 percent for the month and increased 2.5 percent for the year. Prices for other goods and services rose 0.5 percent for the month and were 3.3 percent higher than one year ago.

The All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the West stands at 218.533 (1982-84=100). This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $218.53 in March 2008.

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Last Modified Date: April 17, 2008