Rent, natural gas costs push metro area prices up
Increases in rent costs helped push metro area prices up in June. Credit: iStock
Prices in the metropolitan area increased in June compared with a year ago because of higher costs for residential rent and natural gas.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday reported its consumer price index for the 31-county region that includes Long Island rose 1.8 percent last month from June 2012. The year-over-year increase was the largest since March.
The cost of shelter climbed 2.2 percent in June compared with a year earlier as residential rents gained 3 percent, according to Martin Kohli, the bureau's chief regional economist.
Prices for natural gas and gasoline rose 6.1 percent and 0.8 percent, year over year, respectively. Groceries were up 2 percent and medical care, 3.5 percent.
Out East Show: Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, Hallockville Museum Farm Bees, North Fork Foodie Tour, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
Out East Show: Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, Hallockville Museum Farm Bees, North Fork Foodie Tour, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
