What does the latest consumer price index report say about North Texas market? – Fort Worth Report

What does the latest consumer price index report say about North Texas market?  Fort Worth Report

Energy, produce costs driving up consumer prices in Fort Worth area, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics southwest office. Increased costs for energy and produce are driving up the consumer price index in North Texas, according to data released Wednesday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics southwest regional office. The consumer price index for energy rose by 17.4%, compared to 20.4% nationally over a 12-month period ending in September. The consumer price index for fruits and vegetables increased 14.5% locally, compared to 3.7% nationally during the same period. While the nation primarily grapples with rising gasoline prices, mostly fueled by international conflict with Iran and other crude oil-producing countries, consumers in Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas are also grappling with increases in the price of produce.

Edward “Jack” Leps, an economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics said while ongoing international conflicts have led to higher energy costs across the country, supply chain issues, including rising gas prices, remain the main driver behind increased produce prices. “Gasoline prices are causing shipping to go up as well,” Leps said. “It’s used in everything from shipping goods to keeping them cool. There are a lot of things that go into the rest of the supply chain when gasoline is involved. And so it’s had a trickling effect, not only in Dallas,