Inflation remains stable at local level

Following two bimonthly reports of overall falling prices in the Tacoma-Seattle area, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this week that inflation in the latest period was up 0.2 percent in January and February. Bimonthly prices previously were down 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, in reports issued in December and October.

Overall annual inflation remained at 2.2 percent, the same figure published in December.

In the latest report, the price of groceries in the region was down 1.4 percent since December. The cost of food consumed away from home rose 0.5 percent, and is up 2.9 percent over the previous year.

The cost of alcoholic beverages increased 1.7 percent, while the cost of overall shelter rose 1.1 percent. Rents rose 1.3 percent under the shelter category, and the cost of household energy, including electricity and natural gas, was up 1.1 percent.

Clothing increased 0.2 percent, and the cost of medical care jumped 1.9 percent. The costs of recreation and education edged up 0.8 and 0.5 percent, respectively.

Transportation saw the largest decrease, with the cost of gasoline slipping 14.1 percent.

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Inflation remains stable at local level."