Oahu inflation down during first half of 2013

Relatively stable prices for a variety of consumer goods and services kept inflation muted on Oahu during the first half of the year, according to a government report released today.

Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index rose 1.8 percent during the first six months of 2013 compared with the same period a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Labor reported. That was down from a 2 percent increase in the index during the second half of 2012 from a year earlier.

Among the major components of the index the biggest increase was in the cost of food and beverages, which rose 3.9 percent. Medical care increased 2.8 percent and the cost of shelter went up 2.2 percent.

Electricity prices meanwhile, rose a scant 0.4 percent while the cost of gasoline and apparel fell 0.7 percent and 2.3 percent respectively.