Inflation is starting to hurt local residents

Anyone who has recently visited a New Jersey grocery store understands the impact of a 7.9 percent increase in inflation, the sharpest increase in the consumer price index since 1982.

Food prices have increased in synch with inflation and  costing Americans 7.9 percent more last month than in February 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The report is a cautionary tale, demonstrating a steady increase in inflation since last fall.

Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs are up 17 percent from last year. Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items have increased by nearly 15 percent. Dairy and related products are about 5.4 percent more expensive.

But within those categories are steeper increases. Milk, for example, costs about 11 percent more. A roast beef costs about 19 percent more and a steak 17 percent more. Citrus fruits cost about 16 percent more. Roasted coffee is up 11 percent. Eggs have increased 8 percent.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs.

The average cost New Jersey residents paid for a gallon of gas increased to $4.19 per gallon Monday.

Other energy costs have also risen, for exemple, the cost of heating a home with natural gas increased by nearly 24 percent, while the cost of electricity increased by about 9 percent.

Almost everything else increased, too. New cars and trucks are about 19 percent more expensive. But what if you want to buy a used car? Prepare to pay approximately 43 percent more. Tires are 15.4 percent more expensive. Oil is 37.5 percent more expensive.

The cost of women’s clothing is up 6 percent overall, but dresses alone cost almost 13.5 percent more. The cost of taking a vacation is also rising. Airline ticket prices have risen by nearly 13 percent.

Considering renting a car? This will cost a whopping 24 percent more.

Hotels are approximately 29 percent more expensive. Expect to pay about 21 percent more if you plan to attend a major sporting event.