Metro area consumer prices slip on lower gas prices
The price of gas is expected to fall after Labor Day 2015 with reduced demand and the start of the winter gas supply. A woman refuels at a Costco gas station in Robinson Township, Pa., on July 16, 2015, near the height of the travel season when the demand for gas is high. Credit: AP
Consumer prices in the metropolitan area fell slightly last month compared with a year ago because of a steep drop in the cost of gasoline.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported its consumer price index for the 31-county region that includes Long Island dropped 0.1 percent in July compared with July 2014.
The price index has dropped, year over year, four times since January.
The declines have been due in large part to less expensive gasoline. In July, pump prices were down 25.3 percent compared to the same time a year earlier.
The cost of natural gas and electricity also were off 14.6 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.
However, the lower energy prices were offset somewhat by higher housing prices.
Residential rents were up 2.9 percent in July compared with a year ago.
The cost of groceries rose 0.1 percent. Clothing and medical care increased 1.6 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.
