Inflation Hits Grocery Stores In Washington, Driving Price Spike

WASHINGTON — Anyone who’s been to a local grocery store recently knows the pinch of a 7.9 percent jump in inflation, the sharpest consumer price index spike since 1982.

The price of food increased on pace with inflation, costing Americans 9.8 percent more last month than in February 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report on consumer price index increases. The report is a cautionary tale, showing a steady increase in inflation since last fall.

Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 21 percent in Washington. Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up over 11 percent. Dairy and related products cost over 7 percent more.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Washington residents paid for a gallon of gas increased to 4.73 per gallon Monday, according to AAA.

Other energy costs also increased. The cost to heat homes with natural gas increased almost 24 percent, and electricity increased about 9 percent. Almost everything else increased, too.

In the Seattle area, new cars and trucks cost about 17 percent more. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 41 percent more. Tires cost about 15 percent more. Oil costs about 13 percent more.

The cost of women’s clothing 6 percent overall, but dresses alone cost almost 14 percent more. The cost to clothe babies and toddlers increased 12 percent, and it costs more than 10 percent more to buy shoes for the kids.

The cost of a vacation also is increasing. Airline fares are up about 12 percent. Leasing a car? That’ll cost 24 percent more. Hotels cost about 29 percent more. If you’re planning to attend a major sporting event, expect to pay about 21 percent more.

>> Read the Bureau of Labor Staticstics fullm Consumner Price Index report for February 2022.