Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 27/99) - The Yellowknife consumer price index experienced its biggest jump in three-and-a-half years, according to GNWT Bureau of Statistics.

September prices were up 1.9 per cent compared to prices the same time last year.

The last time prices rose by a larger percentage was back in May 1996 when the index rose 2.3 per cent compared to May 1995.

Last month, higher costs for gasoline, as well as home fuel oil, and alcohol, pushed the cost of living in Yellowknife up, according to the GNWT statistics bureau.

The September all-items consumer price index rose 1.9 per cent compared to September 1998.

By comparison, the annual price increase for Whitehorse was lower at 1.4 per cent. Edmonton was up four per cent. Nationally, the cost of living rose 2.6 per cent in September 1999, compared to the same month a year ago.

The statistics bureau, in its newstats publication, said September consumer price index was two tenths of a per cent higher than August.

"Price increases with the heaviest impact were those for shelter, particularly fuel oil and owned accommodation. Increases in the price of gasoline had a considerable impact," the bureau said.

Women's clothing, tuition, footwear, some household goods and services, chicken, pork and cigarettes were also more expensive in September.

Off-setting the increases were lower costs for children's clothing, bakery and cereal products, processed meat, traveller accommodation and personal-care goods.

Inner-city transportation, recreation equipment and supplies, preserved fruit, non-alcoholic beverages and frozen and canned vegetables were also cheaper