Consumer inflation in the Denver-Boulder metro area rose 1.9 percent between the second half of 2006 and second half of 2007, according to a report issued today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The rate was lower than the 2.5 percent pace set in the first half of 2006 and the 3.5 percent pace recorded between between the second half of 2005 and 2006.
As in past periods, rising gasoline costs fueled inflation. Transportation prices were up 4.8 percent, with motor fuel prices up 14.6 percent during the period measured.
Food and beverage prices were 4.5 percent higher over the period, the largest increase recorded since 2001.
In contrast, the apparel index fell 7.6 percent from the second half of 2006 to the second half of 2007, reversing increases the previous three years.
Declining natural gas and utility costs, along with falling furniture prices, offset rising rents to pushing the housing inflation index down 0.1 percent.
Medical care costs rose 4.3 percent, recreation prices rose 2.7 percent and education and communication costs were up 4.4 percent during the period surveyed.
Aldo Svaldi: 303-954-1410 or asvaldi@denverpost.com
