Consumer prices up slightly in September

Higher prices for gasoline and electricity contributed to 1.2 per cent increase

Consumer prices rose 1.2 per cent in the 12 months to September, matching the increase in August, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 19.

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) increased 0.2 per cent in September after rising 0.4 per cent in August.

Gasoline prices increased 4.7 per cent in the 12 months to September, following an increase of 2.2 per cent the previous month. Electricity prices rose six per cent year-over-year in September after a 3.4 per cent increase in August, while the cost of natural gas fell 14.2 per cent in the 12 months to September.

Food prices increased 1.6 per cent, following a 2.2 per cent increase in August. Statistics Canada attributes the slower year-over-year increase to monthly decreases in the cost of food purchased from stores in September, specifically meat, cereal products and fresh vegetables and fruit.

In the United States, the consumer price index increased 0.6 per cent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, matching the previous month’s increase, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Oct. 16.

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