close
close

Latest inflation report shows prices in metro Atlanta increased 2.6% from last June – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA — The most recent report on inflation in the Atlanta area shows that over the past two months, prices have increased by 0.7%.

However, year-over-year, prices in the Atlanta area rose 2.6 percent, with energy and food costs among the main factors behind the increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV news app to get alerts when breaking news happens)

“Four of the six major grocery food group indices increased over the past 12 months, including other home foods (+2.1%) and fruits and vegetables (+1.4%),” the bureau said.

Prices of food consumed outside the home, such as restaurant meals, have increased again, continuing a trend that has lasted for several months.

TRENDING STORIES:

The latest Atlanta Consumer Price Index report shows energy costs increased 5.6% from April to June, and nearly 20% seasonally for electricity costs.

However, when it comes to fuel, the BLS said gasoline prices in the metro area actually fell more than 2%.

Among the various factors influencing Atlanta’s inflation rate, housing remains the top contributor to inflation, the BLS said.

“The housing index (+3.3%) was the largest contributor, as the owner-equivalent (+4.9%) and primary residence rent (+3.2%) indices also increased over the past year,” according to the bureau’s data.

High housing costs have also been a factor in national inflation, with the BLS reporting that the increase in the housing index accounted for nearly 70% of all nonfood and energy increases over the past year.

As part of an initiative to address the need for more affordable housing, Channel 2 Action News It was reported Tuesday that President Joe Biden has proposed instituting a rent cap for landlords with more than 50 rental units, which would keep cost increases capped at 5% per year if the measure passes.

(SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Newscast)

IN OTHER NEWS:

This browser does not support the video element.