Consumer prices in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area increased slightly by 0.1 percent from June to August, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee reported that over this two-month period, the food index advanced 1.2 percent and the energy index rose 0.4 percent, while the index for all items excluding food and energy declined by 0.1 percent.
Looking at annual changes, the overall Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Atlanta area rose 1.7 percent for the 12 months ending in August. The food index increased by 3.5 percent during this period, with prices for food away from home rising 6.9 percent and food at home up by 1.2 percent over the year. Notably, within grocery store categories, meats, poultry, fish, and eggs saw a 7.3 percent increase.
Energy costs showed mixed results; while there was a modest increase of 0.4 percent from June to August—driven partly by a slight rise in gasoline prices—the energy index fell by 2.3 percent over the last year, with gasoline prices dropping by 9.5 percent.
The report also indicated some declines among specific indexes between June and August: apparel dropped by 4.6 percent, medical care decreased by 1.1 percent, and recreation declined by 1.3 percent over this span. On the other hand, owners’ equivalent rent increased by 0.5 percent and education and communication rose by 1.6 percent.
Over the past year, indexes excluding food and energy were up by 1.9 percent overall; shelter costs rose by 2.3 percent and owners’ equivalent rent climbed three percent during that time frame.
The CPI is used as a measure of average price changes over time in a fixed basket of goods and services and is published bi-monthly for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area residents https://www.bls.gov/cpi/. These local indexes are more volatile than national or regional figures due to smaller sample sizes and are not seasonally adjusted.
The next Consumer Price Index release for September is scheduled for October 15, with October’s figures set to be published on November 13.
“The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell increased 0.1 percent from June to August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.”
“Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted the food index advanced 1.2 percent over the two-month span.”
“The energy index increased 0.4 percent over the same period.”
“The index for all items less food and energy declined 0.1 percent from June to August.”
For further information about how these figures are compiled or technical details regarding CPI methodology, refer to national technical notes or consult resources such as the BLS Handbook of Methods.
