Source:  MEATINGPLACE, 10/19/11

While overall inflation slowed in September, the cost of food and gas continued to climb at a robust pace, the Labor Department said Wednesday.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3 percent in September, easing from a 0.4 percent gain in August. Excluding food and energy, the core index posted its smallest increase in six months at up 0.1 percent.

Food prices rose 0.4 percent in September, led by dairy, cereals, and fruits and vegetables. The meat, poultry, fish and eggs category was in line with the overall rise in food costs at up 0.4 percent.

Gas price jumped 2.9 percent. But clothing and used vehicle prices fell, new car prices were flat, and rental costs only slightly. Federal Reserve officials expect consumer price increases to moderate in the months ahead due to weak economic growth, and gas prices at the pump are down from September.

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