Inflation remains a persistent issue nationwide, affecting both "red" and "blue" states, according to an Associated Press analysis. The East South Central region, comprising predominantly Republican-governed states like Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, experienced an annual inflation rate of 4.5% in April, exceeding the national average. Conversely, the Pacific region, largely made up of Democratic-governed states such as California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska, saw a lower yearly inflation rate of 3.5% during the same period. The West South Central region, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, also had a lower rate of 3.2% in April, although this was still significantly higher than its pre-pandemic average of closer to 1%. Overall, US inflation reached 3.8% in April from the previous year, marking the highest point in three years.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the South region recorded a 0.5% increase in May. Over the 12 months ending in May, the South's all-items CPI-U advanced by 3.9%, compared to a 3.6% increase for the 12 months ending in April. Energy prices were a significant driver of this inflation, with the energy index rising by 3.8% in May alone, primarily due to a 6.8% jump in the gasoline index. Annually, the energy index surged by 22.9% for the 12 months ending May, with gasoline prices skyrocketing by 42.4% over the same period. Electricity and natural gas also saw increases of 3.3% and 6.1% respectively over the last year, further contributing to the rising costs.
Food prices also played a role, though with varying monthly and annual changes. In May, the food index remained unchanged. However, food away from home, such as restaurant and cafeteria purchases, increased by 0.3% in May. Groceries, or food at home, saw a slight decrease of 0.2% in May, with dairy products notable for a 2.3% decline. Over the last 12 months, the food index increased by 2.7%, with food away from home rising by 3.6% and food at home by 2.0%. Meanwhile, the index for all items less food and energy, often considered a measure of core inflation, increased by 0.2% in May and 2.4% over the last 12 months. This category saw increases in shelter (0.2% monthly, 2.7% annually), owners' equivalent rent (0.2% monthly, 2.8% annually), medical care services (1.0% monthly), and used cars and trucks (1.6% monthly).
