CPI Figures Released
By 250 News
Thursday, April 20, 2006 09:15 AM
Statistics Canada says the 12-month change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) held steady at 2.2% in March 2006.
Excluding energy, the CPI rose 1.7% between March 2005 and March 2006, up slightly from 1.6% in February.
On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.5% between February and March 2006, after decreasing 0.2% in the previous month. This increase was mainly due to rising gasoline prices. Excluding the energy components, the index rose 0.4%.
Here are some of the details:
In March, consumers paid 2.2% more than in March 2005 for the goods and services included in the CPI basket, matching February's increase. Higher prices for gasoline, for the purchase and leasing of automobile vehicles and an increase in homeowners' replacement cost were partly offset by lower prices for computer equipment and supplies, as well as for women's and men's clothing.
Average gasoline prices were 7.4% higher in March compared to the same month a year ago, the same average 12-month increase as in February 2006. Higher prices occurred across the country with increases ranging from 5.7% in Newfoundland and Labrador to 9.1% in Alberta.
Stats Canada says six of the eight major components of the CPI showed higher prices in March 2006 than in March 2005. The indexes for shelter (+3.5%), transportation (+3.5%), food (+2.4%) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+2.7%) all pushed upward. The indexes for clothing and footwear (-2.5%), and for recreation, education and reading (-0.2%) exerted downward pressure.
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