Feds find inflation flat but NY gas rising

Inflation for the greater New York area remained flat in December for the second-straight month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

There was another 4.9-percent hike in gasoline prices, coming on the heels of a 4.3 percent rise in November.

But prices for apparel fell by 5.3 percent - reflecting seasonal sales - and food fell by 0.2 percent, said regional commissioner Michael L. Dolfman.

Groceries such as bacon, citrus fruits and tea all had lower prices in December locally.

But the cost of food away from home went up 0.3 percent. Monthly price changes in the area that includes Long Island have been small, from -0.1 to 0.2 percent, over the last nine months.

Prices for residential rent were unchanged for the second month in a row.

The region's Consumer Price Index went up 1.4 percent last month compared to a year ago.

Prices for gasoline soared 15 percent over the last 12 months in the area.

For shelter, the local index rose 0.6 percent in December compared to a year ago, the smallest change since 1952.

Nationally, the CPI increased 0.5 percent in December compared to November. It rose 1.5 percent last month compared to a year ago. The gasoline index nationwide went up 8.5 percent last month - the sixth consecutive increase.