‘Way Too High’: Inflation Hit 8.3 Percent in August Despite Dip in Gas Prices
The latest consumer price index (CPI) report finds that the pace of price increases slowed slightly in August compared to July. In August, prices rose 8.3% compared to the same month last year, which was down from the…

The latest consumer price index (CPI) report finds that the pace of price increases slowed slightly in August compared to July.
In August, prices rose 8.3% compared to the same month last year, which was down from the 8.5% in July.
However, Heather Long, an economic columnist for The Washington Post, noted that month-to-month Inflation increased 0.1% in August. Economists had predicted that there would be a drop in prices.
“Shelter, food and medical care went up, offsetting a 10%+ decline in gas prices,” Long explained as she wrote that the latest Inflation report is “still way too high.”
The latest report comes despite 89 consecutive days of falling gas prices. That has brought the national average price for a gallon of gas down to $3.70.
Additionally, it was higher than the 8.1% that was predicted by economists surveyed by Bloomberg.
Long also pointed out that price increases remained high as food at home prices were up 13.5% since last year, which was the largest increase since 1979. Rent was up 6.7% over the last 12 months, which was the largest increase since 1986. Electricity costs were up 15.8%, the largest increase since 1981. And health insurance costs were up 24.3%, which is the largest increase ever.


