'That's not the norm': Sharp inflation leads to noticeable rise in grocery prices
'That's not the norm': Sharp inflation leads to noticeable rise in grocery prices
Americans already worn out from high gas price will have to roll with another punch to the wallet: Food prices. Grocery costs jumped 1.4%, the sharpest one-month increase since 1990, other than during a pandemic-induced price surge two years ago.
PHILADELPHIA - The United States Labor Department on Thursday reported its highest consumer inflation jump in nearly four decades propelled by surging costs for gas, food and housing.
A gallon of regular gas in Pennsylvania will cost motorists $4.43 on average, according to AAA. And neighboring New Jersey and Delaware will only save drivers pennies. Average gas prices nationally have jumped about 62 cents a gallon since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
But gas isn't the only thing that's getting more expensive.
From January to February, nearly every category of goods and services got pricier. Grocery costs jumped 1.4%, the sharpest one-month increase since 1990, other than during a pandemic-induced price surge two years ago. The collective price of fruits and vegetables rose 2.3%, the largest monthly increase since 2010.
'No relief in sight': Motorists continue to get hammered by ballooning gas prices
Americans are feeling the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as gas prices are rising to levels not seen for over a decade, according to officials with AAA. The national average price for a gallon of regular is at an all-time high of $4.173, as of March 8, AAA said.
For the 12 months ending in February, grocery prices leapt 8.6%, the biggest year-over-year increase since 1981, the government said.
"It's been hectic with prices. You go in there and get 20 items, and you're spending $100 dollars so that's not the norm," said Naeem Rogers, a Philadelphia-area shopper.
Experts say there are some simple ways to save on your grocery bill, such as limiting meat to one day a week and avoiding costlier brand names. Shopping alone could also save shoppers money by avoiding unneeded purchases.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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