PROVIDENCE – The Northeast Consumer Price Index increased a nonseasonally adjusted 1.5 percent year over year in January, just under the rate of the average U.S. city CPI increase of 1.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Wednesday.
Fuels and utilities CPI increased 1.8 percent year over year in the region, compared with a 1.5 percent increase in the U.S. city average. The regional increase was bolstered by a 10.3 percent increase in utility (piped) gas service. The cost of electricity declined 0.8 percent year over year, compared with a 0.4 percent increase in the average U. S. city.
The overall energy CPI declined 3 percent, compared with a 4.8 percent decline in the average U.S. city.
Transportation CPI in the region declined 1.6 percent, driven by an 8.8 percent year-over-year decline in gasoline CPI, reflecting a national trend.
Housing CPI increased 2.6 percent in the Northeast over the year, while the average U. S. city experienced a 2.9 percent increase in housing CPI.
Medical care increased 2 percent year over year in January, roughly in line with the national increase.
Education and communication CPI in the Northeast increased 1.4 percent year over year, despite only rising 0.3 percent year over year in the average U.S. city.
