MIDWEST INFORMATION OFFICE
Chicago, Ill.
For release: 8:30 A.M. ET, Wednesday, April 14, 2010
General information:
(312) 353-1880 • BLSInfoChicago@bls.gov • www.bls.gov/ro5
Media Contact: Paul LaPorte (312) 353-1138
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ENERGY AND FOOD
DETROIT-ANN ARBOR-FLINT, MICH. CMSA, MARCH 2010
Energy prices in the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint area rose 4.8 percent in March, according to a report issued
today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On an annual basis, March 2009-10, energy costs were up
22.1 percent.
The monthly increase in energy costs was attributed primarily to a 6.7 percent rise in gasoline prices,
commented Jay A. Mousa, regional commissioner of the Bureau in Chicago. The index for electricity
rose 7.2 percent in March, but with less effect. Partially offsetting these increases was a 1.6 percent
decline in the index for utility (piped) gas service.
Gasoline prices rose 40.6 percent over-the-year and were largely responsible for the 22.1 percent annual
increase in the energy index. The electricity index (up 5.3 percent) and the index for utility (piped) gas
service (up 9.1 percent) also rose during the past year, but with less impact on the overall energy index.
In the previous annual period (March 2008-09), energy costs were down 22.5 percent as gasoline prices
were lower by 39.7 percent in that 12-month period.
Prices for grocery food items (food at home index) rose 1.0 percent in March, but were down 1.4 percent
compared to March a year ago. In the previous 12-month period ended in March 2009, grocery food
prices rose 5.5 percent.
# # #
Scheduled release date for April 2010 CPI:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint, Mich. Combined Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) includes
Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne
Counties in Michigan.
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BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE CPI
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in pri