Gasoline prices fell 8.2 percent, year over year, helping keep...

Gasoline prices fell 8.2 percent, year over year, helping keep inflation low. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa

Prices in the metropolitan area were 1.4 percent higher last month than a  year ago, the smallest increase since August.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Thursday reported its consumer price index for the 31-county region that includes Long Island was higher in April compared with the same period in 2012 due to the higher cost of housing, food and medical care.

The price index gained 1.9 percent in March, year over year.

Grocery prices were 2.1 percent higher last month compared with April 2012. Among the items costing more were butter, margarine and soups, said Martin Kohli, the bureau’s chief regional economist.

Gasoline prices fell 8.2 percent, year over year, while shelter costs were up 2.3 percent and health care rose 3.6 percent.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

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