INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) issued Wednesday shows the local numbers escalating.

Over the past 12-months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the index for all items, minus food and energy, rose 5.2%. But overall, the CPI was up 6.8%. The energy index soared a whopping 27% largely attributed to more costly gasoline.

Food prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area rose 4.3% with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs leading the way.

Also fueling rising prices were new and used motor vehicles (18.2 percent), household furnishings and operations (6.1 percent), and shelter (4.9 percent).

The BLS noted decreases in recreation (-2.7 percent) and apparel (-2.0 percent).

Story Date: November 2, 2021