See How CT Prices Rose As U.S. Inflation Hits 40-Year High

CONNECTICUT — The cost of day-to-day life in Connecticut is never cheap in the best of times. But this year, prices at the grocery stores and gas pumps soared.

Prices overall in Connecticut and New England rose 5.3 percent over the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Energy and food costs drove much of that increase, data shows.

"The index for all items less food and energy increased 3.3 percent over the year," the Bureau of Labor Statistics' November consumer price index report stated. "Energy prices jumped 34.4 percent, largely the result of an increase in the price of gasoline. Food prices advanced 5.6 percent."

The price increases aren't necessarily a surprise — inflation hit a 40-year-high over the year.

Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show gas prices nationwide have surged just over 58 percent, and food prices are up 6.1 percent in November over the past year.

SEE ALSO: Why U.S. Inflation Is So High, And When It May Ease: Explainer

Inflation has been a worldwide problem as nations deal with continued shocks from the coronavirus pandemic. But some economists said the United States' higher inflation rate than Europe could be pinned on a flood of government spending, including a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, according to the Associated Press.

Megan Greene, chief economist at the Kroll Institute, told the Association Press that inflation will eventually return to something closer to normal.

"I think it will be 'transitory','' she said. "But economists have to be very honest about defining transitory, and I think this could last another year easily.''

Here's a breakdown of how Connecticut, New England areas prices changed over the year:

Food

• Meat, poultry, fish and eggs increased 5.6 percent over the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Food away from home, including restaurants, is up 9.8 percent.
• Nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials declined 6.1 percent.
• Cereal and bakery products rose 4.1 percent.
• Alcoholic beverages only increased 0.8 percent in price.
• Fruits and vegetables rose 3.5 percent.

Gas

• Gasoline prices overall rose 62.3 percent this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• New car prices also rose 6.7 percent, while the cost of clunkers and other used cars and trucks increased 35 percent.

Housing

• Overall housing costs increased 4.1 percent in the past year.
• Household energy costs rose more dramatically — 14.4 percent overall and 17.9 percent for gas utilities.

>>>See more information about how Connecticut, New England prices changed here.

Written by Matt Troutman, Patch Staff

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