The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported that consumer prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area increased 0.7 percent for two months, ending in April 2008. The increase was mainly due to higher prices for transportation. From April 2007 to April 2008, overall prices rose 3.4 percent, while the all-items less food and energy index increased 2.6 percent.

The transportation index increased 3.5 percent during the past two months, primarily due to a 12.9 percent rise in gasoline prices. Over the year, the transportation index rose 4.8 percent and gasoline prices were up by 15.2 percent.

The food and beverages index advanced 1.2 percent from February to April and was 5.2 percent higher over the year. Compared to one year ago, grocery prices were 5.5 percent higher. Food away from home declined 1.2 percent from February to April, but moved up 4.5 percent for the latest 12-month period.