November Inflation at 39-Year High

Washington, DC, December 10, 2021-The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.8% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.9% in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. 

Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 6.8% before seasonal adjustment.

The monthly all items seasonally adjusted increase was the result of broad increases in most component indexes, similar to last month. The indexes for gasoline, shelter, food, used cars and trucks, and new vehicles were among the larger contributors. The energy index rose 3.5% in November as the gasoline index increased 6.1% and the other major energy component indexes also rose. The food index increased 0.7% as the index for food at home rose 0.8%. 

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.5% in November following a 0.6% increase in October. Along with shelter, used cars and trucks, and new vehicles, the indexes for household furnishings and operations, apparel, and airline fares were among those that increased. The indexes for motor vehicle insurance, recreation, and communication all declined in November.

The all items index rose 6.8 percent for the 12 months ending October, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending June 1982. The index for all items less food and energy rose 4.9% over the last 12 months, while the energy index rose 33.3% over the last year, and the food index increased 6.1%. These changes are the largest 12-month increases in at least 13 years in the respective series.