Full text of CPI Detailed Report : March 1973

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the consumer price index
for March 1973

CONTENTS
U.S. DEPARTMENT O F LABOR
Peter J. Brennan, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Ben Burdetsky, Deputy Commissioner

Price movements
Charts 1—4. Consumer price indexes for all items and major
components, and rates of change over 1-, 3-, 6-, and
12-month spans

6

Charts A—B. Percent change for beef, cattle, pork, and hog prices,
3-months ending March, June, September, and
December (seasonally adjusted annual rate)

10

Table 1.

a monthly report
on consumer price movements
including statistical tables
and technical notes.




Page
1

Table 2.

Table 3.

CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners
and clerical workers, by commodity and service groups,
and expenditure classes

12

CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners
and clerical workers, by commodity and service groups,
and expenditure classes

13

CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, all items most recent index
and percent changes from selected dates

14

Table 4.

CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, major groups percent changes
from February 1973 to March 1973
14

Table 5.

CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, commodity groups, March
1973, and percent changes from December 1972

15

CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, food and its subgroups,
March 1973, and percent changes from February 1973

,. 17

Table 6.

Table 7.

Table 8.

Table 9.

CPI—United States city average for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, food items, March 1973
indexes and percent changes from selected dates

18

CPI—United States city average for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, indexes for selected items
and groups, March 1973, and percent changes from
selected dates

20

CPI—United States average and areas grouped by size
of population for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items and major groups, March 1973, and percent
changes from selected dates
24

Price Movements
March 1973
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.9 percent in March,
to 129.8 percent of its 1967 base. A substantial increase
in food prices, due largely to higher prices for poultry
and meats, accounted for about two-thirds of the rise in
the CPI. Increases for clothing, used cars, and rent and
other household services also contributed significantly to
the rise. The March index was 4.7 percent higher than
it was a year ago.
After seasonal adjustment, the March increase was 0.8
percent. Prices of food, including restaurant meals and
snacks, rose an average of 2.5 percent after seasonal adjustment. The nonfood commodities index increased 0.3
percent after seasonal adjustment. The services index rose
0.3 percent.

as they were under Phases 1 and 2; and controls on rent
were removed completely.
Food
Higher food prices accounted for about three-fourths
of the rise in the CPI in the first quarter. Prices of food
purchased in grocery stores—the major portion of the
total food index—advanced at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 35.8 percent, after rising at a 6.3 percent rate
in the last 3 months of 1972. Price advances accelerated
for all major categories of food purchased in grocery
stores as well as in food-away from home—restaurant
meals and snacks, as the following tabulation shows:
3 months ending

Price developments in the first quarter

December 1972

In the calendar quarter ending in March, which
includes 1 month of Phase 2 and 2 months of
Phase 3 of the Economic Stabilization Program, the
CPI rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of
8.8 percent; in the quarter ending in December, the rate
of advance was 3.2 percent. The acceleration was primarily due to a faster rate of increase in the food index
which advanced at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of
29.8 percent in the December-March period—the largest
increase for any 3-month period since 1951. The index
for nonfood commodities increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.4 percent in the 3 months ending
in March, compared with 1.0 percent in the quarter ending in December. The increase reflected the action of the
Price Commission to postpone most of the price increases
for new cars from the fourth quarter of 1972 into 1973
and a first quarter acceleration in the price increases for
fuel oil and gasoline. The services index increased at a 3.6
percent rate in the December-March period, slightly less
than the 3.9 percent rate in the preceding quarter.
In mid-January, the Economic Stabilization Program
shifted from Phase 2 controls, which required prenotification of wage and price changes for larger economic
units, to self-administered controls under Phase 3 for
most economic sectors. Phase 2 controls were retained,
however, in three areas—medical care, construction, and
food (at processor, wholesaler, and retailer levels). Some
prices, notably farm products, continued to be exempt,




Food at home
Cereal and bakery
products
Meats, poultry,and
fish
Dairy products . . .
Fruits and
vegetables
Other foods at
home
Food away from
home

March 1973

6.3

35.8

5.3

10.8

11.3
4.9

74.8
12.4

2.2

24.5

6.3

16.0

4.0

7.1

The rise in consumer food prices at the wholesale level
was even sharper—at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of
45.0 percent—as increases in most categories of food
were larger at wholesale than at retail. The most significant increases were in meat and poultry prices.
Meat prices began to advance sharply at the wholesale
level in late 1972 as supplies, already under pressure from
strong demand, were further reduced by severe weather
conditions which curtailed livestock marketings. Grain
harvesting also was affected by bad weather. Since feed
grains were in tight supply due to heavy domestic and
export demand, prices of feeds rose sharply. An unusually strong export demand for pork following the dollar
devaluation in mid-February was another factor which
contributed to smaller meat supplies.
1

Table A. Percent changes in CPI and components, selected periods
Changes in all items
at seasonally adjusted
compound annual rates

Changes from preceding month

Month

All items
Unadjusted

Commodities
less food

Food

Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

Seasonally Unadjusted
adjusted

Unadjusted

0.2
.2
.2
.3
.3
.2
.2
.4
.2
.4

3.6
3.1
2.1
2.2
3.3
2.9
4.6
4.1
4.2
3.2

3.1
3.2
3.5
2.9
3.2
2.5
3.4
3.7
3.6
3.9

3.5
3.4
3.2
2.9
3.0
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.4

.2
.4

4.1
6.3
8.8

4.1
5.2
5.9

3.7
3.9
4.7

0.2
.2
.3
.2
.4
.2
.4
.3
.2
.3

0.0
.2
.3
.1
.4
.2
.5
.3
.3
.2

0.2
0
-.1
.6
1.0
.3
.2
.1
.4
.5

0.0
-.1
-.1
.2
.6
.5
.6
.2
1.1
0

0.3
.3
.6
.2
0
.1
.7
.4
.2
.1

0.2
.2
.5
0
.3
.3
.4
-.1
.1
.2

1973:
January . .
February .
March

.3
.7
.9

.5
.8
.8

2.1
1.9
2.6

1.9
2.2
2.5

.5
.3
.5

.5
.3




From
From
From
3 months 6 months 12 months
ago
ago
ago

Seasonally
adjusted

1972:
March
April
May
June
July
August . .
September
October . .
November.
December

All of these factors combined to push up livestock and
meat prices at an even faster rate in the first quarter of
1973 than in the fourth quarter of 1972. As wholesale
price increases were reflected in retail prices, consumer
protests intensified and meat boycotts were organized.
In late March, the Cost-of-Iiving Council announced a
price ceiling on meats sold by retailers and by processors
and distributors at the wholesale level. The ceilings do
not apply to farmers' sales of live cattle, hogs, sheep, or
lambs.
Historically, price changes for livestock and meat at
all stages of processing have shown a definite relationship
to one another. This relationship exists because beef and
pork prices are sensitive to the quantity of meat available,
as well as the demand for meat. And, the quantity of beef
or pork available at the meat counter is closely associated
with cattle and hog supplies. Chart A shows the relationship between cattle and beef prices and chart B the relationship between hog and pork prices, (pages 10-11).
Percent changes from the first quarter of 1964 to the
first quarter of 1973 indicate that the CPI for beef and
for pork generally move in the same direction as the
WPI for beef and for pork with a lag of 1 to 3 months.
The magnitude of change, both upward and downward,
in the CPI has usually been smaller than in the WPI.
The WPI for pork moved in the same direction as the
WPI for hogs, but the degree of increase or decrease has
been generally smaller for pork. Large fluctuations in hog
prices reflect reversals in hog production cycles which in

Services

.3

turn are influenced by prices farmers receive for hogs and
for corn. Smaller fluctuations in wholesale pork prices in
relation to hog prices may be partly due to the fact that,
except for fresh pork, supplies of processed products
such as ham and bacon can be held in cold storage over a
long period of time. In addition, wholesale and retail
pork prices are highly responsive to changes in demand
and vice versa.
On the other hand, both the direction and the rate of
change in the WPI for beef and for cattle have been very
similar. Since beef products typically are not held in cold
storage for long periods, adjustments in beef supplies influence cattle numbers and vice versa. The amount of
beef on the market could be increased by dipping into
the basic breeding herd for slaughter. However, beef
supplies will decline if more than the usual number of
cattle are retained for replacement and herd expansion.1
Over the long run, particularly since the early 1960's,
beef production has risen sharply—at a much faster pace
than cattle numbers—because of the rapid expansion of
the fed-cattle industry. In 1972, about 75 percent of the
cattle slaughtered came from large-scale feedloss which
numbered over 2,000, twice as much as in 1962. The rise
in beef production, however, has barely kept pace with
the rise in beef consumption. Strong economic growth
and rising income in 1972 and early 1973 permitted
1
Blaine W. Bickel "Meeting Consumer Demand for Beef—
From Ranch to Roast," Monthly Review, Federal Reserve Bank
of Kansas City, April 1 9 1 ~

greater consumption of beef despite rising prices.
An exceptionally large increase in wholesale and retail
poultry prices in the first quarter of 1973 reflected the
shift in demand away from red meats, as well as reduction
in supplies due to curtailed slaughter in many areas and
the effects of higher food costs. Increased demand and
rising costs for dairy and poultry feeds also contributed
to higher prices for other meat substitutes such as cheese
and eggs.
Retail prices for cereal and bakery products rose at a
faster rate in the first quarter, as they reflected earlier advances in wheat and flour prices caused by strong domestic and export demand. Wholesale prices for grains
declined in the first quarter as a result of aggressive selling
of grain stocks by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
As a result, the increase in wholesale prices for cereal and
bakery products moderated in the first quarter.
Unfavorable weather conditions in 1972 and early
1973 were primarily responsible for large increases in
prices of fresh vegetables, such as onions and potatoes,
and for oranges and coffee.
Commodities less food
The index for nonfood commodities increased at a
seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.4 percent in the first
quarter, up from 1.0 percent in the last 3 months of
1972. See table 1 for seasonally adjusted monthly changes
during the first quarter and table 2 for quarterly changes
at an annual rate. The behavior of this index in both quarters was influenced by the Price Commission action which
resulted in a postponement of most of the price increase
for the 1973 model cars from the fourth quarter of 1972
to the first quarter of 1973. Higher prices for new cars
also was due to the fact that, because of strong demand,
concessions from list prices granted by new car dealers
did not increase as much as they usually do in the first
quarter. Price increases for imported cars following the
mid-February devaluation of the dollar have not yet been
reflected in the CPI.
Higher prices for fuel oil and gasoline contributed significantly to the rise in the nonfood commodity index in
the first quarter. Fuel oil prices advanced sharply, reflecting increases in wholesale prices. Gasoline prices moved
up as, in response to tightening supplies, discounts and
rebates were eliminated. The increase in retail gasoline
prices did not reflect the sharp rise in wholesale prices at
the refinery level. These prices moved up strongly as the
demand continued to outpace refinery production.
The demand for gasoline has been rising because of
antipollution devices and airconditioners in cars, production of heavier cars, greater numbers of cars on the
road, and more miles driven per car. At the same time,
gasoline production has been hampered by refinery




breakdowns and shortages of crude oil. Refineries in early
1973 did not start to maximize gasoline output in time
to build up stocks as normally is done to meet the peak
demand for the summer season. This lag was largely due
to the use of refinery capacity and available crude oil for
output of heating oil to meet seasonal needs. In early
March, mandatory controls were reimposed on the oil
industry; in addition, actions were taken to increase the
inflow of foreign oil and refined petroleum products
through a revision of the oil import program.
Among other nonfood commodities, price rises also
accelerated for home maintenance and repair commodities and footwear, but moderated for furniture and apparel other than footwear. Prices declined for used cars,
tires and tubes, and appliances.
The increase in prices of home maintenance and repair commodities stemmed primarily from higher lumber
prices. Lumber prices, which rose strongly during 1972,
advanced substantially in the first quarter of 1973,
as supplies continued to tighten due to a combination
of factors: the strong demand created by high rate of
housing starts and other types of construction; rail car
shortages which slowed deliveries at-various times; and
adverse weather conditions in producing areas. During
the first quarter, hearings were held by the Cost-of-Living
Council on possible controls on lumber prices and steps
were taken by the government to speed up production of
timber from national forest lands.
Higher lumber prices have contributed to a slightly
faster rise in wholesale furniture prices since the fall of
1972. The increase in retail furniture prices was modest
thoughout 1972 and in the first quarter of 1973. The
small rise in retail furniture prices, as well as the decline
in appliance prices, appear to be partly due to sales and
competitive changes as furniture and appliance retailers
attempt to maintain their share of the market in the face
of pressure from discount stores.
Retail footwear prices rose at a progressively faster
rate in 1972, and the increase in the first quarter of 1973
was the sharpest in 3 years. Retail prices have moved up
in response to—but not as much as—the rise in wholesale prices. Sharp advances in leather prices were reflected quickly in wholesale prices, particularly in the
first half of 1972 and again in the first quarter of 1973.
Prices of apparel other than footwear also have been
under pressure from sharp increases in prices of all types
of textile fabrics. In addition, retail apparel sales have
been improving since late 1972. Apparel prices at wholesale and retail rose sharply in the fourth quarter of 1972,
but moderated somewhat in the first quarter of this year.
Services

Prices for consumer services rose at a slightly slower

Table B. Percent distribution of monthly price comparisons
1

April
to
May

May
to
June

June
to
July

80

100
14
11
75

100
22
8
70

100
15
10
75

100
14
12
74

100
13
12
75

100
15
11
74

100
18
10
72

100
13
10
77

100
17
8
75

100
15
11
74

100
24
9
67

100
16
12
72

100
15
13
72

100
14
13
73

100
17
12
71

100
20
11
69

100
7
6
87

100
6
5
89

100
7
10
83

100
8
7
85

100
10
5
85

100
7
7
86

100
8
6
86

100
6
7
87

100
8
7
85

100
2
1
97

100
6
1
93

100
12
5
83

100

100
3
1
96

100
6
4
90

100
7
5
88

100
5
3
92

100
4
3
93

100
11
9

Food at home
Increases
Decreases
No change

Services
Increases
Decreases
No change

March
to
April

100
16
7
77

All items
Increases
Decreases
No change

Commodities
less food
Increases
Decreases
No change

1972

CO CO 00

Item

December

1971

January February
October November 1971
to
to
to
to
to
January
March
February
November December
1972

December
1973
1Q79
July
August September October Movember
January February
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
January
to
1973
August Septembei October November December
February March
1972—Continued

All items 2
Increases
Decreases
No change

100
16
11
73

100
15
10
75

100
15
11
74

100
14
11
75

100
14
9
77

100
21
10
69

100
27
9
64

100
26
8
66

Food at home
Increases
Decreases
No change

100
18
13
69

100
16
12
72

100
17
12
71

100
16
12
72

100
17
10
73

100
23
8
69

100
31
10
59

100
30
9
61

100
8

100
6

100
6

100
6

100
7

6
86

100
11
5
84

6
88

5
89

4
90

8
85

100
12
4
84

100
11
5
84

100
3
3
94

100
4
2
94

100
4
5
91

100
4
2
94

100
3
3
94

100
9
27
64

100
5
4
91

100
4
2
94

Commodities
less food
Increases . .
Decreases
No change
Services
Increases
Decreases
No change

Regulations of the Economic Stabilization Program permit certain types of increases, but it is not possible to determine
whether allowable increases accounted for all increases shown in the table.
Based on approximately 98,000 individual quotations.




rate in the first quarter than in the fourth quarter of
1972. Among the five major components of the services
index, transportation services declined at a faster rate
than they did in the fourth quarter, and medical care
services and household services less rent increased at a
slower rate. The rent and other service components rose
more rapidly than they had in the final quarter of 1972.
(See tables 1 and 2.)
In the transportation services component, local-transit
fares edged down slightly, auto insurance charges continued to decline as no-fault insurance was introduced in
some more States, and auto registration fees fell. However, charges for auto repairs and parking fees rose sharply.
The first quarter increase in the medical care services
component was considerably smaller than the increase in
the fourth quarter, which reflected the effects of the
annual adjustment for retained earnings of health insurance companies. Since health care is one of the areas in
which Phase 2 regulations have been retained the annual
increase in physicians' fees is still limited to 2.5 percent
and hospital charges to 6.0 percent.
The rise in the index for household services less rent
was slower in the first quarter of 1973 than in the fourth
quarter of 1972 mostly because of a smaller increase in
property taxes. Charges for home repair and maintenance
services rose sharply, at the same rate as they did in the
fourth quarter of 1972, and the increase for domestic
services was twice as large.*. Among utilities, the rise in
telephone charges remained moderate, reflecting a 1 percent decline in the Federal excise tax, but charges for resi-




dential electricity and gas services rose substantially and
at a faster rate than they did in the fourth quarter. The
increase in rent in the first quarter was the largest in
2 years.
Among other services, charges for personal care services rose at a 7.9 percent annual rate, accelerating from
a 5.3 percent rate in the fourth quarter of 1972. The rate
of advance in charges for apparel services in the first
quarter was 3.0 percent, less than the 4.3 percent rate in
the preceding quarter.
Diffusion of individual price changes

Approximately 120,000 individual prices were collected directly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in March
for use in the index. Approximately 80 percent of these
quotations represent monthly comparisons. As can be
seen from table B, 66 percent of these monthly comparisons were unchanged, 8 percent decreased, and 26 percent increased from February to March. The proportion
of prices increasing in March was slightly smaller than the
proportion in February for the three major components
of the index—food, nonfood commodities, and services.
The March index also includes 24,000 price comparisons
to March from periods before February, 19,000 of which
cover the quarterly span from December to March. About
19 percent of these increased—considerably more than
in the November—February period. In addition, about
5,000 rental units were surveyed in March and 20 percent
of these reported rent increases from September 1972.

CHflRT

1.

flLL

ITEMS

INDEX
(

flND

1967

I T S RflTE
-

100

OF C H R N 6 E

1964-73

)

SEMILOG

MRR
129.8

135
130
125
120
115
110
105

CPI flLL ITEMS INDEX
(NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

100
95
90

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

85

RRITri.
SCALE
— 0.7
— 0.6
— 0.5
— 0.4
_ 0.3
— 0.2
— 0.1
— 0.0
— -0.1
MflR
8.8

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE, SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

RRITHSCflLE
8

6
4
2
0

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

MflR
5.9

8RITH.

sc
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1/

MflR
4-7

J

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1/ Computed from the unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




6

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

flRITH.
SCALE
8

ChflRT 2. COMMODITIES LESS FOOD INDEX flND ITS RRTES OF CHflNGE

1964-73

( 1967 = 100 )

SEMILOG

140
135

MflR
121 .7

CPI COMMODITIES LESS FOOD INDEX
(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
MflR
0.3

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
_

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED]

flRITH*
SCflLE
6

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

flRITH
SCflLE
6
MflR
2.2

flRITHSCRLE
6

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN
MflR
2.8

1964

1965

1966

1967

1/
Computed from t h e u n a d j u s t e d s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




flRITH.
SCflLE

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

CHART 3. TOTAL FOOD INDEX flND ITS RflTES OF CHANGE
1967 = 100 )

SEMI-

I OG
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90

1964-73

CPI TOTflL FOOD INDEX
(SEASONALLY ADJUSTED)

PERCENT CHANGE OVER 1-MONTH SPAN
(SEASONALLY ADJUSTED)

PERCENT CHANGE OVER 3-MONTH SPAN
(ANNUAL R A T E . SEASONALLY ADJUSTED)

flRIThU
SCflLE
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2

PERCENT CHANGE OVER 6-MONTH SPAN
(ANNUAL R A T E . SEASONALLY ADJUSTED)

-4

flRITH.
SCflLE
8

T CHANGE OVER

12-MONTH SPAN 1 /

• 11.1 i i 11 i l 111111 i i i • 111111111111111.111111111 j 111111111111111111111 i i 11111111111111111111111> 11111 i l 111111111111 i i 11

1964

1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973

1/ Computed from the unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




8

1
1
1
0
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6

CHflRT 4. SERVICES INDEX RND ITS RflTES OF CHflNGE
( 1967 = 100 )

1964-73
riRR
136.5

SEMILOG
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90

CPI SERVICES INDEX
(NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEDJ
I

RRITH.
SCflLE

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH .SPflN
(NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTE!

—.

—

—i

MflR
0.3

— ,
—
—
— ,
—
—
—

flRITH.
SCflLE
12

1.1

1 .0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
-0.1

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE, NOT SEflSONflLLY flD^JSTED)

10
8
MflR
3.6

6
4
2
0

flRITH.
SCflLE
-i 10

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(PNNUflL RflTE. NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJCTSTED)
hflR
3.8

flRITH.
SCflLE

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN
MflR
3.4

, i l , , l , , l , , l , , l , , l , , l ,,!,,! , , l ,.!,, I ., I ,, I , , ! , , ! , , ! , , ! , , l , , l , , I , , I i , l , i l

1964

1965

1966

1967

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

CHflRT R . PERCENT CHANGE FOR BEEF flND CflTTLE P R I C E S , 3-MONTHS ENDING
M R R C H , J U N E . S E P T E M B E R , DECEMBER (SERSONRLLY RDJUSTED RNNURL R R T E )

WPI

BEEF

CflTTLE

flRITH.
SCflLE
120
100

WPI CATTLE
WPI BEEF

80
60
40
A

20
0

7—U
\7

-20
-40
-60




CPI

+ WPI

BEEF

+

VEflL

flRITH.

100
80

— CPI BEEF AND VEAL
—WPI BEEF AND VEAL

60

A

n

A

/\

40

A.

20
0

\/

7 V\
\!
-20
-40
-60

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

10

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

CHflRT B. PERCENT CHflNGE FOR PORK FIND HOG PRICES, 3-MONTHS ENDING
MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, DECEMBER (SEflSONRLLY ADJUSTED ANNUAL RATE)

WPI
flRITH.
SCflLE

120

PORK + HOGS

r-




WP HOGS
WPI PORK

V
V

CPI

+ WPI PORK

flR
SC

CPI PORK
WPI PORK

120

-

100

-

80

-

60

-

40

-

20

-

0

-

-20

-

-40

V
\l

_ -60
I

1964

1965

1966

I

1967

I

I

I

I

1968

11

I

1

I

I

1969

1970

i

I

i

I

i

1971

I

i

1

i

1972

1

i

I

1973

Table 1. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers, by commodity and service groups, and
expenditure classes

Group

Relative
importance
December
1972

Unadjusted indexes
1967-100 unless
otherwise noted
March
February
1973
1973

percent change to
March 1973 from—
February
March
1972
1973

Seasonally adjusted
percent change from
December
January

January
to
February

February
to to
March

2.2
2.4
1.3
5.0
1.8
2.4
.1
.4

2.5
3. 1
1.0
6.0
.5
1. 5
1. 1

Commodity and service groups
All items
All items (1957-59 = 100)
Commodities
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food
Nondurables less food
Apparel commodities '
Men's and boys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear
Nondurables less food and apparel —
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Fuel oil coal
Other nondurables
Durables commodities
Household durables
New cars
Used cars
Other durables
Se rvice s
Rent
Services less rent
Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services
Special indexes:
All items less food
Nondurable commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Services less medical care services
Insurance and finance
Utilities and public transportation
Housekeeping and home maintenance service
Appliances (including radio and T. V. )

62.552
22.492
17.494
2.243
6. 016
2.685
2.999
3.552
4.998
40. 059
23.415
8. 960
2.799
3.982
1. 572
14.455
2.902

2. 103
2.459
.655
6. 335
16.644
4 . 772
2. 060
2.056
7.756

37.448
5.059
32.389
15.486
5.473
5.575
5. 855
77.508
45.907
7. 388
31. 873
9. 829
5.522
4.502

129.8
150.9
126. 1
134.5
134.2
119.0
152.7
121.5
136. 8
123.2
135.7
121.5

128.6
149. 5
124.5
131. 1
130. 1
117. 8
142. 8
121.0
133. 3
123. 1
134.7
120. 9
121.6
123. 8
123. 3
123.3
127.6
120.4
112.4
134.5
121.2
127. 2
119. 1

127. 9
126. 2
123. 1
135. 3
145.7
12 8.5
148.4
105.5

0.9

5.3

1. 3
2.6
3. 2
1.0

9.9

11. 3
3.7
20.4
3.6
12.7
5.6
4.9
2.8

122.4
125.2
124. 6
125. 1
128.7
120.8
113.0
135.5
121.3
127. 8
119. 3
120.2
116.9
110. 8
113.7
127.4

119.9
116. 3
111. 0
112.4
127. 3
136.2
122. 1
13 8. 7
142. 8
136. 1
141.5
12 8.6

4.7

2.9
3.0
3.6

2. 1
4.2
3. 0
5.3
2. 3
Z.O
7.7
2. 1

6.9
.4

1.9
2. 3
. 3
3. 3
.7

2.6
. 1
.7
.5
.7
1. 1
1. 1
1.5
.9
. 3
. 5
. 7

136.6
122.6
139.2
143.2
136. 3
142.2
129.2

2.5
2.5
-.8
9.4
1.9
3.4
3.9
3.4
4.1
.7
3.9
3.6

. 1
.5
.2
. 3
.5
-.2
1.2
. 1
.3
.4
.4
. 3
. 1
.5
.5

128.4
128. 3
124.5
135. 8
145.7
128.9
149.4
105.4

3. 1
6.4
2.6
3.4
2.2
3.3
4.9
-.4

.4
1.7
1. 1
.4
0
. 3
.7
-. 1

.9

.5

0
-. 3
.2
-. 8
-. 1
. 3
.3
*0
*. 2
.4
. 1
-.2
0
1.0
-1.9
-.2
*. 2
*.4
*. 2
.6
-1. 0
.3
.2

.6
.3
-. 1
.4
.9
.7

1.2
*. 2
*.4
5.4
.3
.3
.2
-. 1
*-.4
.2
*.4
*.5
*. 3
.6
*-. 1
.2
.6

0
1.0
-. 3
*.2
-. 2
.4
.5

.5
.9

.6
1.2
.5
.3
-.3
*. 7
*. 1
.7
.1

.3
.3
.3
*1.2
.2
*. 3
*.4
*.4
-. 1
. 1
.2
.3
.2
1.6
.8
*.4
-.3
.2
.4

Expenditure classes
All items
Food
Hous ing
Shelter 2
Rent
Homeowner ship 3
Fuel and utilities 4
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
T ranspo rtation
Public
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
Special indexes:
All items less shelter
All items less medical care
All items less mortgage interest costs —
CPI — domestically produced farm foods 5
CPI - selected beef cuts 6
Purchasing power of consumer dollar:
1967- $ 1.00
1957-59=$ 1.00

12 8.6

4.7

16.355
4. 708
2.434
7.321
10. 370
13. 134
11.665
1.469
19.768
6.447
2. 573
5.656
5.093

131. 1
132. 0
137. 3
122. 1
142. 9
124. 1
124.5
122.6
123. 6
121. 1
118.7
144. 3
12 8. 1
135.3
122.4
124. 3
127. 1

134.5
132. 3
137.7
122.6
143.2
124.6
125.0
123.0
124. 8
121.5
119. 1
144.5
128.6
135. 8
123.1
124.5
127.6

78. 170
93. 553
96.298
15.519
2.060

126.4
128.2
127. 8
130.4
151.5

127. 8
129.5
129.0
134.9
159.1

22.492
33. 859
21. 830
5.059

0.9

0.5

0. 8
2.5

3.4
3.7
3.9
3.6
4.4
4. 5
2.4

.2
. 3
.4
.2
.4
.4
.3

1.9
*. 2
.2
*.4
. 3
. 8
1. 3
.2

2.6
2. 8
1.5

.3
.3
.1

-.5
-.5
-.7

2.9
3.3
3.7
2.3
2.4

.4
.4
.6
.2
.4

4.9
4.8
4.7
12.0
16.3

1. 1
1.0
.9
3.5
5.0

*. 5
.5
*.5
.4
1.1
. 1
.1

*. 2
-. 1
*.4
-. 3
.3

*. 2
.3
.3
0
.3

.5
.4
. 1
*.2
.1
.6
.4
.5

.4
.3
-.6
*.4
.1
.4
.2
.6

.6
.5
.4
2.7
5.0

.9
.9
.9
2.5
7.0

.9
.9
. 8
3.5
5.0

.6
. 2

$0. 778
.669

rup,
ex weight for sugar.
rom the CPI beef and veal component by excluding veal cutlets and beef l
lly adjusted.
NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.




12

and

Table 2. Consumer Price Index-United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical y orkers, by commodity and service groups, and
expenditure classes

Group

Seasonally adjusted annual rate
Percent changes for
6 months ending in
3 months ending in

Seasonally adjusted indexes
(1967=100)

December 1 January February I March
June JSeptemberjbecember March
1973 I
1972 1 1973
1972
1 1972 I 1972 I 1973
1973
Commodity and service groups
All items
Commodities
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food
Nondurables less food
Apparel commodities 1
Men's and boys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear
Nondurables less food and apparel
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products (not seasonally
adjusted)
Alcoholic beverages (not seasonally
adjusted)
Fuel oil and coal
Other nondurables
Durables commodities
Household durables
New cars
Used cars (not seasonally adjusted)Other durables
Services (not seasonally adjusted)
Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Services less rent (not seasonally adjusted) —
Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services
Special indexes:
All items less food
Nondurable commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Services less medical care services (not
seasonally adjusted)
Insurance and finance
Utilities and public transportation
Housekeeping and home maintenance service

126.4
134.8
134.5
119.0
152.7
121.7
136. 8
123.3
136.0

120.7
121.3
124. 1
124.4
123.7
126.9
119.7
111.7

124.9
131.5
130.5
117. 8
144. 0
121. 1
134. 8
122. 0
134. 8
121. 3
122. 0
124.5
124.3
124.2
12 8. 0
120.5
113.0

134.2

134.2

134.5

135.5

120.5
119.4
118. 8
120. 1
116. 3
108.9
115. 0
127.2

120.7
119.9
118.9

121.2
126.4
119. 2
120. 3
116.5
109.9
112.4
127.2

122. 8
126.3
124. 6
116.0
132. 8
118.2
129. 5
118. 8
133.7
120.7
121. 3
124.5
124.2
124. 7
127. 0
119.4
111.4

123.6
128.7
127.5
116.3
137.2
119.0
131.7
121.9
134.2

121.7
122.6
125.6
125.0
125.7
128.7
120.9
112.7

2.2
2.0
0
-1.3
-.7
-2.5
-2.0
4.4
0
4. 1

3.6
1.7
-.4

4. 6
5.4
7.0
7.9
-.3
10. 9
-.3
21.4
.7
4. 3
4. 1
3.7
2.6
3.0
2. 3
3.6
4.5
17. 5

3.2
2.3
5.2
6.3
5.3
11. 3
4.9
Z.Z
6.3
4.0

12.3
29. 8
35.8
10. 8
74. 8
12.4
24.5
16.0
7. 1

1. 0
2.3
4.6
6.0
4.6
4.2
.7
.4

3.4
4.4
3.6
2.6
3.2
5.5
5. 1
4. 8

.7
.3
3.5

3.7
.3
1.4

3. 1
2.8
3.6
35.0
4.2

5.9
2. 8
4.0
5. 8
4.2

1.0
3.4
1.7
-1.0
2. 1
-14.4
5.0
-1.2

2.7
29.2

3. 1
3.4
3.3
4.4
3.3
3.9
1.6

3. 0
3.1
3.0
2.6
4.2
1. 8
4.2

3.9
3.7
3.9
5.2
-.6
7. 1
3.8

Septembt
1972
3.4
3.7
3.5
3.2
-.5
4.0
-1.2
12.6
.3
4.2
3.4

March
1973
5.9
7.2
16.9
20.2
8.0
39.5
8.6
12. 8
11. 1
5. 5

2. 8
.3
3.6
3. 1
8.2

2.2
3.3
4. 1
4. 3
3.9
4. 8
2.9
2.5

2.2
.3
2.4
4.5
2. 8
3.8
19.5
4.2
3.1
3.2
3. 1
3.5
3.7
2. 8
2.9

1. 8
15.6
1. 7
.5
2. 1
-5.2
.2
-. 3
3. 8
4.6
3. 7
4.6
-2. 3
5.0
4. 3

.6

1.9

135.4
121.0
13 8. 0
141. 8
136.9
140.9
127. 8

119.9
116.3
110.0
112. 8
126.9
135.7
121.5
138.3
142.6
135.5
141.3
128.1

136. 2
122. 1
138.7
143.4
135. 3
141. 6
128.9

121.3
127.3
119.3
120.7
116.9
110.2
113.7
127.4
136.6
122.6
139.2
143.2
135.5
141.9
129.3

127.5
123.7
124. 0

127.5
124. 9
123.6

128.2
126. 6
124. 0

128.5
128.6
125.0

3.2
.7
.3

2.5
3.3

3. 2
16. 8
3. 3

3.4
3.2
1.3

2. 9
9.8
4.0

134.6
145. 7
127.6
147.4

134.9
145.4
128.1
148.2

135. 3
145. 8
128.2
148. 8

135. 8
145.5
128.5
149.4

3.4
4.6
3.9
4.9

3.6
2.8

3.6
-. 5
2.9
5.5

3.2
3.7
3.6
4.0

3. 6
1. 0
3.0
5.9

8. 8
29. 8

3.4

5.9

3.5

16. 8

3.6
4.4
4.4

3.3
3.0
4.6
2.4
6.0
6.0

6.2

1.7
2.0
2. 1

4.9
-4.4
.6
3.6
5.4
3.5
4. 0
-4. 0

Expenditure classes
All items
Food
Housing (not seasonally adjusted)
Shelter 2
Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Homeownership 3
Fuel and utilities 4
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
T ranspo rtation
P rivate
Public
Health and recreation (not seasonally adjusted
adjusted)
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
Special indexes:
All items less shelter
All items less medical care
All items less mortgage interest costs
CPI — domestically produced farm foods (not
seasonally adjusted)
CPI — selected beef cuts (not seasonally
adjusted)
1
2
3
4

126. 3
131. 2
136. 7
121. 0
142.5
121.7
122.4
122.4
124. 1
121. 2
118. 9
145.2

123.9
120.6
118.3
144.2

131. 5
132. 0
137.7
122. 1
143.5
124. 0
124. 1
122.7
124.2
121.2
118. 8
144. 3

134. 8
132.3
137.6
122.6
143. 1
124.4
124. 8
123.0
125. 1
121.7
119.2
143.4

127. 5
134. 8
121.5
124. 0
126. 2

127. 8
135.2
121.9
124. 0
126.6

12 8. 1
135.4
122.6
124. 5
127. 1

124. 8
126. 8
126.4

125.6
127.4
126.9

128.7
131.4
137.0
121.5
142.9
122.7
124.0
122.6

2.2

4.6

3.2

0

7. 0

5. 2

3. 8

3. 1

3.4

4.2

3.3
3.7

5.4

3.5
4.6
3.4
4.7

3. 1
2.7
2.7

4.0
2.7

1.
9.
8.
2.

1.3

3. 3

4.0

3.3

2.3

3.6

2.4

9.4

1. 7
1. 0
-4.9

5.8
6.5
4.4

-0. 5
-0. 8
-1.2

3.5

2.9
2.6

4. 1

5.0

2. 7

2. 1

11. 1

2.6

6.3

128.6
135.5
123. 1
124.7
127.9

3.6
3.7
4.5
3.0
3.9

Z.Z
1.5
1.7
3.0

2.2
6.2
3.4
1.0

-0.6

126.7
128.5
12 8. 1

127.9
129.6
129. 1

2.0
2.6
2.3

4. 3

127.2

130.4

134.9

141.6

151.5

159. 1

13

2. 1

2.9
3.0
2.5

2. 3

2.9

3. 1

1. 3

5.4
2.3
5.5

3.0
1.6

4.4
1.6
3.4

4.6
4.6

3.3
2.9
3.2

10.3
9. 1
8. 8

3.1
3.6
3.4

6.7
6.0
6.0

0. 7

6. 8

4.0

41.0

3.7

21. 1

7.7

7.4

4.6

93.5

0.4

35.9

Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry not shown separately.
Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs.
Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and sewerage service not shown se parately.




3. 1
3. 0

7
2
1
0

4. 8

3.4
2.4

3. 1

2.6
2.6
2.5

NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.

2. 7

Table 3. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items most recent index and percent changes from selected dates
Pricing
schedule 2

1967= 100

1957-59= 100

Percent change from:

Other
bases
March
1972

March 1973
U.S. city average
Chicago
Detroit
Los Angeles—Long Beach
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J Philadelphia

M
M
M
M
M

129.8

150.9

4.7

129. 0
131. 1
126.4
136.5
132.5

146.6
150.6
148.6
162.4
154.8

4.7
4.9
4.4
4.9
5.3

129.7
127. 2
127. 8
127.2

155.4
145.5
148. 1
146. 3

Buffalo
Cleveland
Dallas
Milwaukee
San Diego
Seattle
Washington

130.3
129.9
127. 7
127. 0
128.2
123. 1
130. 7

146.6
143. 4

0.9

0.6
.6
.5
.6

February
1972
3

143.2

3

138. 1

4

134. 7

November
1972

4.3
3.2
3.2
3.9
5.0
3.4
4.8

144. 7
152.2

1. 3
1.6
1.6
1.6
1. 1
1.6
December
1972

March
1972
Atlanta
Baltimore
Cincinnati
Honolulu
Kansas City
St. Louis
San Francisco—Oakland

130. 1
131. 9
129.8
126. 0
127.4
126.2
128. 7

5. 1
5.6
5.5
2.9
4. 1
4.5
4.9

149. 7
153. 1
147.3
151.3
147.4
153. 1

1.2
1. 1
.7
1.2
1.5

October
1972

3.9
3. 2
3.2
3.2

February 1973

February
1973

2.3
2.2
1.6
2. 1
2.8

January
1972

January 1973
Boston
Houston
Minneapolis—St. Paul -Pittsburgh

December
1972

1.9
3.0
2.6
1. 3
1. 5
2.0
1.9

1
Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) except for New York and
Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used. Area definitions are those established for the I960 Census and do not
include revisions made since I960.
2
Foods, fuels, and several other items priced every month in all cities; most other goods and services priced as indicated:
M—Every month.
1—January, April, July, and October.
2—February, May, August, and November.
3—March, June, September, and December.
3
4
5

November 1963= 100.
February 1965= 100.
December 1963= 100.

NOTE: The Consumer Price Index cannot be used for measuring differences in living ;osts among areas; it indicates price change within
eas. Estimates of differences in living costs among areas are found in the family budgets.

Table 4. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas * for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
major groups percent changes from February 1973 to March 1973
Group

U.S.
city

All items

0.9

Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation —
Other goods and services

2.6
.2
1.0
.3
.4
.4
.6
.2
.4

Chicago

2. 1
1.0
2.6
.5
.1
.4
(2)
-.2
-. 2

See footnote 1, table 3.
Not available.




14

3. 1
.2
1.3
.2
.8
1.5
(2)
.7
.3

Los AngelesLong Beach

New YorkNortheastern
New Jersey
1.2

1.5

1.6

2.5
.4
3.2
.1
.3
-. 2

3.3
1.0
2. 1
0
.5
1.2
(2)
-.4
.4

-. 1
2.2
. 2
.7

.4
.5

2

Philadelphia

Table 5. Consumer P r i c e Index—United States and selected a r e a s l for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, March 1973, and percent changes from December 1972
U. £>.
city
average

Group

Chicago

Detroit

Los AngelesLong Beach

New YorkNortheastern
New Jersey

Philadelphia

Indexes (1967= 100)
All items

129.8

129.0

131. 1

126.4

136. 5

132.5

Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

134.5
134. 2
119.0
152.7
121. 5
136.8
123. 2
135.7

135.2
135. 7
123.9
153. 1
121. 8
134.6
124.2
133. 1

135. 1
135.8
123.8
157.3
119. 3
127.4
124. 0
132.5

129. 8
131. 1
115.4
152. 8
119.5
127.5
121.9
125. 9

139.0
137.6
119.9
152.2
124. 6
144.3
126. 2
143.8

136.5
135. 5
120. 5
152.4
122.6
141.3
122. 1
140.5

Housing
Shelt e r
Rent, residential
Home owne r ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

132.3
137.7
122. 6
143.2
124.6
127.8
125.0
123.0

127. 0
131.3
120. 1
136.3
118. 5
123.4
119. 3
119.3

135.0
144.4

129. 7
132.6
120. 3
136.3
128. 1
134.5
120.3

141.0
148. 1
(2)
159. 2
130. 1
128.4
130. 3
129.0

134.8
144. 5
127.6
149.0
122. 6
121. 0
128.5
124.5

Apparel and upkeep
Men1 s and boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwea r

124.8
124. 6
125. 1
128. 7

125.6
120. 3
132.7
122.9

121.9
120. 3
118.9
131.6

122.6
119.5
126.4
127.7

125.6
127.4
123. 7
127. 1

125. 1
123.4
123.4
131.4

Transportation
Private
Public

121.5
119. 1
144.5

125.2
119. 6
160.5

120.6
118.2
148.5

120.7
120.9
117.3

134. 1
126. 5
163.3

125.9
123. 0
143.5

Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

128. 6
135.8
123. 1
124.5
127. 6

129.4
135.2
123. 6
125.4
130. 3

132.5
146.4
(2)
126.8
124. 3

123.0
132.7
118.8
115. 1
120.8

133.9
143.0
(2)
128.6
135.2

132. 8
146.6
(2)
127. 5
128.9

2

( )
148.8
119. 8
125.2
121. 3
116. 1

Perc snt changes Deceniber 1972 to Marc h 1973
All items
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home
Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Home owne r ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and boys'
Women' s and girls'
Footwea r

T

2.0

2.3

2.2

1.6

2. 1

2.8

6.7
8. 1
2.8
16.4
2.7
7.5
2.5
1.5

6.8
8.2
5.3
15.2
3.0
6.3
1.8
1.3

7. 7
9.3
5.3
17.4
4.0
6.0
2. 1
1.3

5. 7
7.4
1. 8
17.0
3.0
2. 1
3.2
1. 1

6.2
7.8
2.0
13. 7
2. 1
8. 8
3.2
1. 7

7.6
9.3
2.3
17. 0
2. 1
11. 2
3. 7
1.3

.5
. 5
.4
.4
. 2
.5
. 5

1. 1
.7
(2)
-. 1
3.9

. 2
2. 7
-1. 7

.8
. 7
1.3
.4
2. 2
7.0
2.0

.6
-. 2
-.2
-1.0
1. 1
.2
. 2

3

1.2
1. 1
3. 4
-.4
2. 3
7.9
2.8
1. 1

_. 7
1. 7

9.9
1. 1
-.4

3

6.6
5.3
. 7

1.9

.9

.9

-.9

3.3
1.3

1. 7
3.5

.9
.9
1. 7
1.3

2.0
2.2
0

-.5
-.5
0

0

.6

1.5
2. 2
(2)

1. 1
1.5
1.4
. 9
.4

1. 1
0
(2)
. 6
1.6

Transportation
Private
Public

0

-.2
-. 3
0

Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

. 9
1. 0
1. 3
. 4
.9

1. 2
0
.8
. 2

See footnotes at end of table.




-.3

-.6
(2)

15

.6

1.9

.6
0
. 1

1. 8
1.9

3

.6

2. 1
2.9
6.3
3. 1
1.0
2. 1
-. 2
4.0
1. 5
-.4
-.4
0
. 8
1.3
(2)
0

.9

Table 5. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas 1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, March 1973, and percent changes from December 1972—Continued
Kansas
City

Group

San
FranciscoOakland

St.
Louis

Indexes (1967= 100)
A l l itpm<?

130. 1

131.9

129.8

126.0

127.4

128.7

126.2

136.4
136. 2
121.5
155. 6
125.4
141.4
123. 2
137.0

137.0
137.5
118.6
154.9
123.5
143.3
126.0
135. 0

136.0
137.0
122.2
153. 9
126.0
138.0
126.6
132.5

129.6
128. 1
107.8
140. 3
125.0
132.0
121. 3
133.8

133.3
133. 2
121. 1
151. 0
131.4
126. 1
122. 6
133.4

131.6
132.5
111.7
150. 5
119.9
132.3
125. 8
128.4

132.9
132.2
124.3
145.9
121. 8
139. 1
118. 7
135.8

135. 3
139.9
118.8
146. 2
4
132.0

126.7
131.8
110. 8
141.4
123. 2

127.4
133.4
130. 8
135. 1
112.2

127.2
131.9
112. 0
139. 6
120. 4

134. 1
139.3
131.6
143. 2
124.0

129. 5
126.7

135. 8
144.6
114. 7
157.2
121. 7
122.8
120.4
124.8

119.9
115.7

106.4
116. 1

119.5
119.4

124.7
122. 1

124. 1
125.4
109.7
129. 7
124.6
137.0
124.9
121. 0

122.0
128.6
118.5
119. 0

127.5
136.8
117.9
137. 3

126.2
126. 0
124.4
136. 3

122. 7
114. 8
125.2
120. 6

129.2
126. 2
132.7
134. 7

124. 6
123.0
126. 3
125.9

120.6
113.2
123. 1
130.2

114.5
117. 2
79.2

118.9
118.4
121. 6

127.0
120.0
181. 2

123. 8
125.8
113. 0

121.4
120. 2
141.3

121. 1
120. 3
133.6

123.3
121.2
145.3

130. 9
142.2
128.0
126. 1
120.9

131. 1
146. 7
124.4
126.3
124. 8

130. 5
142.3
131.4
122.2
126. 7

122.9
131.2
121.2
121.9
116. 0

127.2
134. 1
121.9
119. 2
131.5

124.4
131.0
120.0
120.6
121.4

125.8
128.6
125.6
119. 7
128.5

- - - -

Food
jf o o u e t c n o i x i e

——»—»*——~—»~——~—.———-————•—•-——••.——»——«——

Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry.and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home
Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowner ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and boys'
Women' s and girls'
T ran spo rtation
Private
Public - ^
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

5
6

Percent changes December 1972 to March 1973
1.9

3.0

2.6

7. 3
8.9
3. 1
20.2
3. 2
4. 7
2.6
2. 7

7. 3
9.0
3. 0
17.2
2.5
9.6
2. 2
. 7

7. 1
8. 5
4.4
17.6
3.0
5. 3
2.6
2. 3

Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowne r ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

.7
.2
. 7
.1
3.6
5. 9
. 3

2. 5
3.0
.7
3. 8
2. 3
6.3
-. 5
1. 0

Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and boys'
Women' s and girls'
Footwea r

. 7
-. 1
.6
2. 3

2. 7
8.0
.4
1.6

Transportation
Private
Public

-. 1
-. 1
0

Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

.6
2. 1
.4

All items
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

1
2
3
4
5
6

.9
1.2
.4
1. 4

1. 5

1.9

2. 0

2. 2
3.0
-1. 2
9.5
3.6
-5.4
1.8
.2

5.9
7. 3
2.8
16.4
3.2
5.4
1. 3
1.2

6.2
7. 9
-1.0
16.6
2.6
6.2
3. 2
.5

6.3
7. 6
3. 1
14. 6
.8
9.4
2.4
. 7

1. 1
1. 1
1.2
1. 0
1. 3

0
-.6
.4
-1.0
1. 7

1.4
1.5
.8
1.8
.2

. 2
1. 2

1.9

4. 7
1.5

. 7
.3
.3
. 2
3.9
11. 0

1.7
.3
1. 1
4. 4

. 2
1. 5
-1.9
3. 1

.4
-1.0
. 2
1. 5

. 6
. 6

1.9
-.5
1. 1

1.8
3.0
1.2
2.2
.6

.
1.
.
.
1.

6
0
1
2
0




. 1
-1.4
.4

-.9
-1.0
0
1. 1
1.7
.6
. 6
1. 2

1. 2
1. 2
. 7
1. 1
1.8

See footnote 1, table 3.
Not available.
Change from January 1973.
Revised indexes: December 1972, 128. 1; January 1973, 132. 3; February 1973, 132.6.
Revised indexes: March 1972, 111. 3; June 1972, 112. 2; September 1972, 113. 7; December 1972, 114. 6; 1972 annual average, 113.0.
Revised indexes: March 1972, 113. 9; June 1972, 114. 7; September 1972, 116. 3; December 1972, 117. 3; 1972 annual average, 115.3.

16

2. 9
-. 2

1. 5
-. 1
-.3
1.3

Table 6. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food and its subgroups, March 1973, and percent changes from February 1973
Food at home
Total
food

Cereals
and
bakery
products

Meats,
poultry,
and fish

Dairy
products

Fruits
and
vegetables

Other
foods
at
home

Food
away
from
home

Indexes (1967= 100)
U. S. city average

134.5

134. 2

119. 0

152.7

121. 5

136.8

123.2

135.7

Atlanta
Baltimore
Bo ston
Buffalo
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Dalla s
Detroit
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Milwaukee
Minneapolis-St. Paul
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland
Seattle
Wa shington

136. 4
137.0
133. 6
135.0
135.2
136. 0
135.4
133. 6
135. 1
129. 6
136.6
133. 3
129.8
132.3
135. 1
139.0
136. 5
134.9
132.9
134.0
131. 6
130. 1
138.4

136. 2
137.5
133. 8
134.9
135.7
137.0
136. 3
132. 1
135.8
128. 1
134.0
133.2
131. 1
132.5
134. 6
137.6
135.5
134. 3
132. 2
134. 1
132.5
130. 0
137.2

121.5
118. 6
121. 1
118.3
123.9
122.2
118. 5
116. 7
123. 8
107.8
115.2
121. 1
115. 4
120.4
129. 6
119.9
120. 5
116. 5
124.3
115. 1
111.7
115. 8
122.2

155.6
154.9
149. 7
150. 5
153. 1
153.9
155. 5
152.9
157. 3
140. 3
156.8
151. 0
152.8
152.0
156. 7
152.2
152.4
152. 6
145.9
160. 8
150.5
148. 1
154.2

125.4
123.5
121.7
120. 8
121.8
126. 0
125.0
113. 6
119.3
125. 0
122. 8
131.4
119.5
119.7
123. 0
124. 6
122.6
117.4
121. 8
119. 1
119.9
121.4
116.4

141.4
143.3
137.0
148. 1
134.6
138. 0
136.6
134.9
127.4
132. 0
132. 8
126. 1
127.5
132.2
129.3
144.3
141. 3
142.8
139. 1
127.0
132. 3
125.7
146. 5

123.2
126.0
122. 6
121.3
124.2
126.6
124.5
120.9
124.0
121. 3
121.5
122. 6
121.9
120.9
124. 1
126.2
122. 1
123.2
118. 7
122. 1
125.8
123.3
126. 7

137.0
135. 0
132.9
135.5
133. 1
132.5
131.2
139.2
132.5
133.8
145.5
133.4
125.9
(2)
137. 7
143.8
140.5
138.4
135.8
(2)
128.4
130. 5
141.5

Percent changes February 1973 to March 1973
U. S. city average
Atlanta
Baltimore
Bo ston
Buffalo
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Dalla s
Detroit
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles—Long Beach
Milwaukee
Minneapolis—St. Paul
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J
Phila de lphia
Pitt sburgh
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland
Seattle
Wa shington

2. 7
3. 2
2.4
3.4
2. 1
3. 3
3.5
1.9
3. 1
1. 3
2. 2
2.2
1. 6
2. 8
1. 9
2. 5
3.3
3.6
2.9
1. 9
1.6
1. 2
3. 1

3. 1
3.9
2.9
3.8
2.3
3.9

4. 1
2. 5
3. 7
1. 7
2.8
2.5
1.9
3.5
2.4
3. 1
4. 1
4. 1
3.4
2. 7
2. 1
1.6
4. 1

1. 1
1. 3
2.4
1. 1
1. 1
1.8
2.8
1. 0
-. 4
-1.2
1. 1
1.5
1. 3
.2
.9
.9

1.7
.6
2.2
.9

-1.0
1.5
1. 2

See footnote 1, table 3.
Not available.




17

8. 1
7.8
5.3
8.3
5.6
9. 1
8.4
6. 5
8. 2
5. 1
7. 3
6.4
5.5
8.6
7.0
5. 7
7.3
9.2
6.9
6.4
5.8
4. 2
9.0

1.0
.6
.7
-. 7
.5
-. 2
-. 5
-.6
. 6
.4
. 2
.6
. 3

1. 2
.2
.2
.7
.3
0
.4
.1
.7
.1

1.6
4.8
1.9
5. 0
.1
2.4
2.9
2.3
3. 0
.1
1.3
.2
-. 5
2. 2
.2
3.5
5.6
4.2
3. 8
1.0
-. 2

-.6
.4

1. 3
-1. 1
-. 1
-.4
-1. 1
-. 2
-.7
-.4
-.2
.6
.2
-. 1
.3
-.5
.2
-.9
-.4

1. 3
.6
.5
.9
1.2
1. 2
.2
0
.2
0
.5
1.2
.7
(2)
.2
1.0
.4
.4
.3
.2
.6

Table 7. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers, food items,
March 1973 indexes and percent changes from selected dates

Index
Item and group

Food away from home
Re staurant meals
Snacks
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Cracker meal
Corn flakes
Rice
Bread, white
Bread, whole wheat
Cookies
Layer cakes
Cinnamon rolls
Meats, poultry, and fish
Meats
Beef and veal
Steak, round
Steak, sirloin
Steak, porterhouse
Rump roast
Rib roast
Chuck roast
Hamburger
Beef liver
Veal cutlets
pork
Chops
Loin roa st
Pork sausage
Ham, whole
Picnics
Bacon
Other meats
Lamb chops
F r ankfurte r s
Ham, canned
Bologna sausage
Salami sausage
Live r wur st
Poultry
Frying chicken
Chicken, breasts
Turkey
Fish
Shrimp, frozen
Fish, fresh or frozen
Tuna fish, canned
Sardines, canned
Dairy products
Milk, fresh, grocery
Milk, fresh, delivered
Milk f re sh skim
Ice cream
Cheese, American process
Butt e r

Unadjusted

Seasonally
adjusted

134. 5
135.7
135.9
134.3
134.2
119.0
111.8
139. 1
99.5
118.7
117.0
125.4
112. 6
123.7
123. 2
152.7
153.0
160.2
158.9
149.4
149. 8
154. 1
158.2
167.9
166.0
150. 7
185.4
149.8
153.0
156. 3
157.6
135.0
154.2
143.5
142. 1
144.7
147. 9
134.0
148. 0
142. 1
135.9
150.7
158.8
145. 5
118.0
152.8
145.6
174. 5
136.8
154.5
121.5
120.5
125.0
127.8
125.8
109. 1
130. 5
105.9

134.8
136.0
136. 2
134.6
134.5
119.0
111.6
139. 1
99.3
118.6
117. 1
125.4
112.8
123. 7
123.2
152.7
153.5
160. 7
159.2
150.8
151.6
154.9
159.0
167. 1
166.2
151.5
186.0
150. 7
153.8
156.9
159.4
132.9
152.8
145.5
142.4
145.4
148. 9
132. 1
148. 6
143. 1
136.4
150.5
158.6
146. 1
118.2
152.6
145.2
173.8
136.8
154.5
121.7
120.6
125. 1
128. 2
126.4
109. 2
130.5
106. 1

See footnote at end of table.




from—
March 1972

March 1973

18

h. 1973

February 1973

Unadjusted

Unadjusted

9.9
4.9
5. 1
3. 1
11.3
3.7
10.9
3. 1
-2.5
7.9
3.4
5.2
1. 7
2. 7
2.7
20.4
19.6
16.8
15.6
12.9
11. 1
13.8
12.9
18.9
20.9
24.2
17.8
26.7
28.6
30.8
27.6
18. 1
24.6
27.4
16.9
13.7
20.0
18.9
17. 2
16.0
15. 7
35.0
43. 1
29.3
3.8
10.5
10.4
20.4
3.6
7.2
3.6
3. 1
4.2
4.9
4. 1
1.9
5.8
. 1

2.6
. 7
. 7
. 3
3.2
1.0
3.4
. 7
. 1
1.9

1.6
. 7
-.6
1.8
-. 2
6.9
5.4
5.2
4. 1
3.6
2. 2
3. 1
4.5
4.8
8.0
7.7
6.0
5.3
4.4
6. 1
8.6
4.3
8.7
2.9
6.0
3.4
10. 1
4. 1

6.9
6.2
5.7
24.9
30.5
18.8
3.3
1.0
2.8
.4
.4
.5
.4
0
.2
0
1.7
1.3

.6
. 3

Seasonally
adjusted
2.5

.9
.7
.5
3. 1
1. 0
3.2
.4
. 1
1.9
1.7

.6
-1.3
2. 1
. 1
6.0
4.8
4.6
3.7
2.5
1.7
3.0
3.9
3.8
7.4
7.3
5.4
4.9
4. 1
5.4
8. 1
3.9
7.5
2.0
5.7
3. 1
9.3
3.5
6.8
6.4
6. 1
23.6
28.6
18. 3
3.6
1.3
2.9
.2
.8
1. 1
.5
0
.3
. 1
1.8
1.4
.7

.6

Table 7. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers, food items,
March 1973 indexes and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
(1967= 100)
Percent change to March 1973
from—
Item and group

March 1973
Unadjusted

Food—Continued
Food away from home—Continued
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits

Orang es
Orange juice,
Grapefruit

fresh

Strawber rie s
Watermelon
Fresh vegetable s
Potatoes
Asparagus
Cabbage
Ca r r ot s

Peppers, green
Tomatoe s
Processed fruits and vegetables
Fruit cocktail, canned
Pears, canned
Pineapple-grapefruit juice, drink
Orange juice, concentrate, frozen
Lemonade concentrate, frozen
Beets, canned
Peas, green, canned
Tomatoes, canned
Dried beans
Broccoli, frozen
Other food at home
Eggs
Fats and oils:
ivLcL r g E r x n . c

———————————————————————————————

Salad dressing, Italian
Salad or cooking oil
Sugar and sweets
Sugar
Grape j elly
Chocolate bar
Syrup, chocolate flavored
Nonalcoholic beve ra ge s
Coffee, can and bag
Coffee, instant
Tea
Carbonated drink, cola flavored
Carbonated drink, fruit flavored
Prepared and partially prepared foods
Bean soup, canned
Chicken soup, canned
Spaghetti, canned
Mashed potatoes, instant
Potatoes, french fried, frozen
Baby foods
Sweet pickle relish
Pretzels

136.8
145. 1
127. 6
125.8
97.2
133.3
132. 0
128.9

ft
(l)
159.2
163.9
210. 6
182. 1
166.6
145. 2
145.6
187. 9
133.7
146.4
152.6
138.4
124.5
127. 7
122.8
118. 2
137.3
119. 7
132.8
109.4
121.7
141. 1
119.0
123. 2
136.2
117.5
110.4
120. 1
124. 0
118.6
131.3
131.3
113.8
126.4
128.4
128. 1
110. 1
130. 2
129.9
117. 0
117.0
105. 2
122.8
115. 1
112.5
111. 7
132.0
117. 0

Priced only in season.




19

March 1972

Seasonally
adjusted

136.8
145.0
132.5
131.0
96.5
139.3
132.3
148. 2
(!)

ft
154.4
171. 1
211.4
146.0
157.0
153.5
152.0
153.4
136.6
126.3
152.3
132. 2
124.7
128. 2
123.0
118. 6
138.3
118.4
132.9
109. 8
121.8
141.5
119. 1
123.3
136.3
117.0
110. 5
120. 2
124.2
118.8
130.9
132. 2
113.5
126.5
128.4
129.0
110.4
129.9
130.4
116. 9
116.9
105.0
l'22. 6
115. 1
112.5
112. 0
131. 2
117. 2

Unadjusted

12. 7
18.6
10.5
12. 1
-1. 1
9.9
1.0
3.5

()
24.5
42.0
100.4
11.4
24.9
1. 0
-11.4
29. 1
25. 7
-.9
12.4
22.6
3.8
5. 2
4.8
2. 6
.5
1. 6
10.9
1.4
5.4
3.4
0
5.6
26.7
-.9
-.4
-2.9
2.3
3. 2
5. 5
. 5
. 3
4. 5
8.5
2.4
1.9
1. 6
1.3
2. 3
. 7
-1. 1
5. 1
2.5
1. 9
. 3
6. 1
1. 6

February 1973
Unadjusted

Seasonally
adjusted

2.6
3.8
1. 0
2.6
-4.0
2.9
-.3
0

1. 5
1. 8
_# 5
8
-5. 6
2. 7
-1. 0
1. 6

5.6
7.3
20. 1

3. 3
6.3
18.6

24.6

-6.9

.6

.8
1. 0
. 2
. 3
.2
2.2
1. 1
. 1
-. 1
. 1
. 1
-3. 5

7. 1
3.4
18.0
26.9
-7.9
2.4
-8.9
.8
.9
1.3
. 1
. 5
.2
1.9
1.2
-. 2
.7
1. 0
1. 1
2.9

.8
.5
.9
1. 0
.6
1. 3
.2
1.9

. 3
.5
1. 1
.8
.4
1.0
0
1.9

-1. 0
16. 1
.4
-4. 4
1. 0
-5. 7

.6

.6
.9

.6
.9

.4

1. 1
. 1
. 2
.5
.5
-. 2
.2
. 2
1.9
. 4
1. 2
.9
.3

0
.5
. 5
. 7
0
. 5
. 2
1.9
. 6
.9
1. 2
. 3

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical i orkers,
indexes for selected items and groups, March 1973, and percent changes from selected dates

Other
index
base

Item and group

Housing
Shelter *
x\.ent,

r es i c i e n t x a x
2

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Home owne r ship
Mortgage interest rates
Property insurance premiums
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repair commodities3
Exterior house paint
Interior house paint
Maintenance and repair services
Repainting living and dining rooms
Re shingling house roof
Residing house
Replacing sink
Repairing furance
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil, No. 2
Gas and electricity
Gas
El6ctricitv
Other utilities:
Residential telephone services
Residential water and sewerage services
Household furnishing and operation 4
Housefurnishings

~*

Sheets
Curtains, tailored
Bedspreads
Drapery fabric
Pi11nw«!

hprl

Slipcovers, and throws, ready made
Furniture and bedding
Bedroom furniture, chest and dresser
Sofas, upholstered
Cocktail tables
Dining room chairs
Recliners, upholstered
Sofas, dual purpose
Bedding, mattress and box springs
Aluminum folding chairs
Cribs
Floor coverings
Broadloom carpeting, manmade fibers
Vinyl sheet goods
Vinyl asbestos tile
Appliances (excluding radio and T. V.)
Washing machines, electric, automatic
Vacuum cleaners, canister type
Refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers,
electric
Ranges, free standing, gas or electric
Clothes dryers, electric
Air conditioners, demountable
Room heaters, electric, portable
Garbage disposal units
Other housefurnishings:
Dinnerware, fine china
Flatware, stainless steel
Table lamps, with shade
Lawn mowers, power, rotary type
Electric drills, hand-held
Housekeeping supplies:
Laundry soaps and detergents
Paper napkins
Toilet tissue
Housekeeping services:
Domestic services, general housework
Babysitter service s
Postal charges
Laundry, flatwork, finished service
Licensed day care services, preschool child
Washing machine repairs

Dec. 71
Mar. 70
Dec. 71

See footnotes at end of table.




20

February
1973

March
1973

Percent change to March 1973
from:
March
February
1972
1973

132.0
137.3
122. 1
142.9
118. 1
151.7
124.5
145.3
128.6
118.8
119.3
152.5
165. 1
160. 2
139.6
150. 7
158.3
124. 1
127.2
125. 1
124. 5
126.6
122. 6

132.3
137. 7
122.6
143. 2
117.8
151.9
124.7
146.5
130. 3
119. 1
119.2
153.5
166.0
161.0
140. 7
152. 1
158.9
124.6
127. 8
125.7
125.0
126.7
123.4

3.4
3. 7
3.9
3.6
.1
5.8
1.9
5. 7
6.8
.8
2.5
5. 2
6.7
5. 2
5. 1
4.8
4.4
4.4
7. 7
7.9
4.5
3. 7
5.3

0.2
.3
.4
.2
-.3
.1
.2
.8
1.3
.3
-. 1
. 7
.5
.5
.8
.9
.4
.4
.5
.5
.4
.1
.7

115. 2
141.7
122. 6
117.2
115.2
117.5
113.5
113.6
125.3
105. 7
115. 1
121. 7
105.4
120.9
102. 1
104. 0
98.8
116. 5
105.2

115.4
143. 2
123.0
117. 6
115. 1
117. 7
111.3
113. 7
126.0
106. 0
115.3
122.8
106.9
121.8
102.4
106.5
98.6
117.4
105. 7

2.7
4. 0
2.4
1. 7
1.7
2.9
.4
3.6
4.0
-2.0
.6
1.7
2. 2
1. 8
2.9
2.2
0
.4
1. 2

.2
1. 1
.3
.3
-. 1
. 2
-1.9
.1
.6
.3
.2
.9
1.4
. 7
.3
2.4
-. 2

120. 1
107. 1
101. 6
119.8
119. 7
109. 7
110.9
103. 8

120. 8
107.2
101. 6
120.3
119. 7
109.5
110. 8
103.8

1. 5
8
1
3. 1
1. 6
1
2
1

108. 3
110.9
114. 0

1
6
5
4
_. 5
1

-. 1
-1. 0

107. 8
111.4

108. 2
109.8
114.2
110.0
108.0
111. 1

128.6
130.8
127. 1

128. 7
130.9
127.8

5. 3
7. 8
5. 0

.1
.1
.6

111. 7
137.2
126.2

112.2
137.4
126.6

.9
6.6
1. 2

.4
.1
.3

142.2
139.4
146. 6
143.8
126. 1
144.9

143.8
140.7
146.6
144. 6
126.4
146. 2

5.0
4.4
0
5. 5
5. 1
5. 3

1. 1
.9
0
.6
. 2
.9

.6
.1
0
.4
0
-.2

-. 1
0

.2
(5)

. 2

-.3

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, March 1973, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
(1967= 100)
Item and group

Other
index
base

Apparel and upkeep 6
Apparel commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Men1 s and boys'
Men1 s:
Topcoats, wool or all-weather coats,
polyester blends
Suits, year round weight
Suits, tropical weight
Jackets, lightweight
Slacks, wool or wool blends
Slacks, cotton or manmade blends
Trousers, work, cotton or polyester/cotton
Shirts, work, cotton or polyester/cotton
Shirts, business, polyester/cotton
T-shirts, chiefly cotton
Socks, cotton or manmade fibers
Handkerchiefs, cotton or polyester/cotton
or cotton
Boys' :
Coats, all purpose, cotton or cotton blends
Sport coats, wool or wool blends
Dungarees, cotton or cotton blends
Undershorts, cotton
Women' s and girls'
Women1 s:
Coats, heavyweight, wool or wool blends
Carcoats, heavyweight, cotton
Sweaters, wool or acrylic
Skirts, wool, wool blend or manmade fibers
Skirts, cotton or polyester/cotton
Blouses, cotton or manmade fibers
Dresses, street, chiefly manmade fiber
Slips, nylon
Panties, acetate or nylon tricot
Girdles, manmade blend
Brassieres, nylon lace
Hose or panty hose, nylon seamless
Anklets, or knee-length socks, various fibers
Gloves, fabric, nylon or cotton
Handbags, rayon faille or plastic
Girls' :
Raincoats, vinyl, cotton, or polyester blends
Skirts, wool, wool blends or acrylic
Dresses, cotton, manmade fibers or blends
Slacks, cotton or chiefly cotton
Slips, polyester blends
Handbags, plastic
Miscellaneous apparel:
Diapers, cotton gauze of disposable
Yard goods, polyester blend
Wrist watches, men' s and women' s
Footwear
Men' s:
Shoes, street
Shoes, work, high
Women' s:
Shoes, street, pump
Shoes, evening, pump
Shoe s, ca sual
Houseslippers, scuff
Children' s:
Shoes, oxford
Sneakers, boys' , oxford type
Dress shoes, girls' , strap or pump
Apparel services:
Drycleaning, men's suits and women1 s dresses
Automatic laundry service
Laundry, men' s shirts
Tailoring charges, hem adjustment
Shoe repairs, women' s heel lift

March
1973

123.6
123. 8
123. 1
123.3

124. 8
125. 2
124.5
124.6

2.9
3.0
2.6
3.6

1.0
1. 1
1. 1
1. 1

126.6
129. 2

130.0
131.7

9.0
3.2

2. 7
1.9

5

116.0
115.7
141.8
116.7
116. 7
111.0
118.9
116.3

5

116.8
141. 7
117. 1
118. 0
111.3
119. 0
116. 6

)
3. 1
2.4
3. 1
-1.0
1. 0
.3

()
-. 1
.3
1. 1
.3
. 1
.3

118.4

119.4

2.8

123.3

122.0

8.6

131. 1
121.2
123.3

131.6
121. 2
125. 1

(5)
3.8
.6
2. 1

119. 1
127.6

( )

125.5
132.4
110.9
118. 7
117.8
121. 6
94.4
114.3
111. 6
146.4

124.8
133. 6
111.0
118. 9
117.9
123. 2
95.3
114.7
111. 0
145.3

109.8

114.3

123.4
138.7
109.4
123.5

109.0
126.2

117. 1
118.7
118. 0
127.6

117.9
119.8
117.9
128.7

3. 1
4.2

129. 1
129.4

130.4
130. 3

7.2
7.4

1.0
.7

127.0
123.3
126. 8
126.7

128.9
123.8
128. 3
126. 9

3.5
2. 0
2. 2
2.2

1.5
.4
1.2
.2

130. 1
124. 8
132.9

131.3
125. 3
134. 3

5.4
2.5
4.4

.9
.4
1. 1

119. 3
115.8
126.5
135.7
119. 6

119.5
116.4
126.9
136. 2
120. 1

1.8
1.9
5.0
3. 1
5.4

. 2
.5
.3
.4
.4

-1. 1
(5)
.4
0
1.5
()

See footnotes at end of table.




Percent change to March 1973
from:
March
February
1972
1973

February
1973

21

2. 1
2.5
.5
2. 1
.4
1.3
-2. 3
-1.2
.6
2.7

-.6
.9
.1
.2
.1
1.3
1.0
.3
-.5

124.9
(5)

()
-2.8
-2.0

)
-.4
2.2
.7
.9
-. 1

.9

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, March 1973, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
(1967=100)
Other
index
base

Item and group

Indexes
February
1973

March
1973

.percent cnange to JVLarcn ly (5
from:
March
February
1972
1973

Transportation
Private7
Automobiles, new
Automobiles, used
Gasoline, regular and premium
Motor oil, premium
Tires, new, tubeless
Auto repairs and maintenance 8
Auto insurance rates
Auto registration
Parking fees, private and municipal
Public
Local transit fares
Taxicab fa re s
Railroad fares, coach
Airplane fares, chiefly coach
Bus fares, intercity

121. 1
118.7
111.0
112.4
111.4
125. 3
112. 9
139. 3
138. 2
123.0
150.6
144.3
150.5
135.6
122.2
132. 1
144.0

121.5
119. 1
110.8
113.7
112.0
125. 8
112. 1
140. 1
138. 1
123.6
150.9
144.5
150. 7
135.7
122. 3
132. 1
144. 6

2.6
2. 8
-.8
9.4
5.6
2. 5
-3.9
4.6
-1.8
-2.8
9. 1
1.5
1.5
2. 1
-3.6
1.9
5. 1

0. 3
.3
-. 2
1.2
.5
.4
-.7

Health and recreation
Medical ca re
Drugs and prescriptions
Over-the-counter items
Multiple vitamin concentrates
Aspirin compounds
Liquid tonics
Cold tablets or capsules
Adhesive bandages, packages
Cough syrup
Pre s criDtions
Anti-infectives
Sedatives and hypnotics
Ataractic s
Antispasmodics
Cough preparations
Cardiovasculars and antihypertensives
Analgesics, internal
Anti- obe sity
Hormones
Professional services:
Physicians fees
General physician, office visits
General physician, house visits
Obstetrical cases
Pediatric care, office visits
Psychiatrists, office visits
Herniorrhaphy, adult
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Dentists' fees
Fillings, adult, amalgam, one surface
Extractions, adult
Dentures, full upper
Other professional services:
Examination, prescription, and dispensing of
eyegla s se s

128. 1
135.3
105.8
ill. 8
93.6
118.2
101. 2
114. 1
125. 1
114. 7
100. 8
72.9
128. 1
103. 7
108. 0
134. 6
112.4
110.6
117.7
92.8

128.6
135.8
105. 6
112. 1
94.5
118.4
101. 1
114.4
125.4
115. 1
100.2
71.3
128. 2
103.7
107. 6
135. 1
112.4
110.8
116. 3
91.5

2.9
3.3
. 1
1.2

.4
.4
-.2
. 3
1.0
.2
-. 1
.3
. 2
.3

136. 1
137. 1
139. 5
136.2
138. 7
132.6
129.9
130.9
134.4
136.8
133.3
130.8

Hospital service charges
Semiprivate rooms
Operating room charges
X-ray, diagnostic series, upper G. I
Laboratory tests, urinalysis
Anti-infectives, tetracyline, HCL
Tranquilizers, chlordiazepoxide, HCL and
meprobate
Electrocardiogram
Intravenous solution, saline
Physical therapy, whirlpool bath
Oxygen, inhalation therapy
Personal care
Toilet goods
Toothpaste, standard dentifrice
Toilet soap, hard milled
Hand lotions, liquid
Shaving cream, aerosol
Face powder, pressed
Deodorants, aerosol
Cleansing tissues
Home permanent wave kits
Personal care services
Men1 s haircuts
Beauty shop services
Women' s haircuts
Shampoo and wave sets, plain
Permanent waves, cold

--

Jan. 72
Jan. 72
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.

72
72
72
72
72

See footnotes at end of table.




22

-.6
3. 0
-. 1
.8
1.2
1.9
-.9
-7.0
2.5

.6
-. 1
.5
. 2
. 1
. 1
. 1
. 1
0
.4

-.6

-. 2
5. 1
.5
1.5
-1.0
-2.5

-2.2
. 1
0
-.4
.4
0
. 2
-1.2
-1.4

136.7
137. 9
140.7
136.8
139.2
132.9
130.6
131. 1
134.7
137. 0
133.7
131. 1

2.9
2.9
3.8
3. 0
2.7
3.4
2.5
1.5
2.8
3.6
2. 1
2.2

.4
.6
.9
.4
.4
. 2
. 5
.2
. 2
. 1
.3
.2

126.7
121. 6
104. 1
178.9
175.6
130. 8
102.8
98.3

127.2
121. 1
104. 6
180. 1
177. 3
130.9
103.0
98.2

2.6
1.4
3.4
4.6
6.9
1.8
1. 6
-1.8

.4
-.4
.5
.7
1.0
. 1
.2
-. 1

102.4
104. 1
103. 3
103.6
102. 1
122.4
118. 2
109. 1
123. 1
127.5
108.2
140.4
104.2
123.2
109.9
126.8
128.6
125.5
128.5
129.0
114.9

102.4
104.4
103.6
104.0
103. 1
123. 1
118.7
110. 1
124.7
127.0
107.8
140.4
104.4
125.3
110. 1
127.6
129. 1
126.6
130. 3
130.3
115.0

2. 5
1.9
1.1
3. 3
1.6
3.7
2.5
.5
3.0
2.6

.9

.6
12.2
-1. 1
1.5
-.4
4.8
3.9
5.6
8. 1
5.5
2.9

0
.3
.3
.4
1.0

.6
.4

.9
1.3
-.4
-.4
0
.2
1.7
.2
.6
.4
.9
1.4
1.0
. 1

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city s /erage for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, March 1973, nd percent changes from selected dates—Continued

Item and group

Other
index
base

Health and recreation—Continued
Reading and recreation 9
Recreational goods
TV sets, portable and console
TV replacement tubes
Radio, portable and table model
Tape recorders, portable
Phonograph records, stereophonic
J^^OVIG CcLX¥163TcL S

S\XT36r O

ZOOTT1 X6H.S ——-

Film, 35mm, color
Golf balls, liquid center or solid core Basketballs, rubber or vinyl cover —
Fishing rods, fresh-water spincasting
Bowling balls
Bicycles, boys'
Tricycles
Dog food, canned or boxed
Recreational services
Indoor movie admissions
Children1 s
Drive-in movie admissions, adult
Bowling fees, evening
Golf green fees
TV repair, color picture tube replacement
Film developing, color
Reading and education:
Newspapers, street sale and delivery
Magazines, single copy and subscription
Piano lessons, beginner
Other goods and services
Tobacco products
Cigarettes, nonfilter tip, regular size
Cigarettes, filter tip, king size
Cigars, domestic, regular size
Alcoholic beverages
Whiskey, spirit blended and straight bourbon
Wine, dessert and table
Beer, away from home
Financial and miscellanous personal expenses:
Funeral services, adult
Bank service charges, checking account
Legal services, short form will
1

February
1973

March
1973

Percent change to March 1973
from:
March
February
1972
1973

124.3
108.0
98. 5
134.2
98.8
92.6
108.2
88.2
108. 2
105.3
126.9
107.6
115. 0
118.2
114. 1
111. 1
130. 1
143.4
141.8
147.7
148. 1
122. 7
(5)
99. 1
115.8

124.5
108.2
98.5
134.2
99.0
92. 1
108.4
88.5
108.2
105.2
126.5
108.6
115.0
119.0
114.4
112.5
130.4
144. 7
143. 1
149.0
147.9
122.9
(5)
99.2
115.9

2.3
.6
-1. 5
4.2
.5
-1. 3
1.7
-. 3
-. 1
.2
.6
1.2
1. 6
3.6
.9
1.9
2.4
4. 0
3.5
5. 1
2.9
3. 2
(5)
.9
-1.9

133.6
134. 1
125.5
127. 1
134.5
136. 3
136.5
111. 3
121.2
114.8
109. 1
129.3
133.8

133. 6
134. 1
125.6
127. 6
135.5
137. 3
137.6
111. 6
121.3
114.9
109.2
130.0
133.8

2. 1
7.4
2.9
2.4
2.3
2. 7
2. 1
.9
2.0
.9
.6
3.3
3. 6

123.4
106. 5
155.7

124. 1
106.5
157. 1

0.2
.2
0
0
.2
-.5
.2
.3
0
-. 1
-.3
. 9

0
. 7
.3
1. 3
. 2
.9
.9
.9

-. 1
(5)
. 1
.1

2.9
-1.6
10.7

Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Also includes home purchase costs not shown separately.
Also includes pine shelving, furance filters, packaged dry cement mix, and shrubbery not shown separately.
4
Also includes Venetian blinds, nails, carpet sweepers, air deodorizers, steel wool scouring pads, envelopes, reupholstering, and moving
expenses.
5
Priced only in season.
6
Also includes men1 s sport shirts, women' s and girls' lightweight coats, women1 s slacks, bathing suits, girls' shorts, earrings, and
zippers not shown separately.
7
Also includes storage batteries and drivers' license fees not shown separately.
8
Includes price for water pump replacement, motor tune-up, automatic transmission repair, exhaust system repair, front-end alignment,
and chassis lubrication.
9
Also includes outboard motors, nondurable toys, college tuition fees, paperback books, and college textbooks, not shown separately.
2

3




23

Table 9. Consumer Price Index—United States average and areas grouped by size of population * fo
all items and major groups, March 1973, and percent changes from selected dates

Area and group

United States:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Tran sportation
Health and recreation

Relative
importance
December
1972

March
1973

Indexes
(1967= 100)
December
1972

urban wage earners and clerical workers

March
1972

December
1972

March
1972

100. 000
22.492
33.859
10.370
13. 134
19.768

129. 8
134.5
132. 3
124. 8
121.5
128.6

127.3
126.0
131.2
125.0
121.3
127.5

124.0
122.4
127.9
121. 3
118.4
125. 0

2. 0
6. 7
8
2
2
9

4. 7
9.9
3.4
2.9
2.6
2.9

Class A-l (3. 5 million or more):
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

32. 754
7. 606
10. 914
3.470
4. 272
6.492

132.4
136. 3
135. 0
124. 8
127. 3
131. 0

129.6
128.0
133. 8
123.8
127. 3
129. 7

126.3
124.4
129.9
121. 6
124. 1
126.8

2. 2
6. 5
9
8
0*
1. 0

4.8
9.6
3.9
2. 6
2.6
3.3

Class A-2 (1.4 million to 3. 5 million) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

11. 815
2.684
4. 030
1.228
1. 534
2. 339

130.0
134. 3
132. 2
125.0
122.5
129.0

127. 6
125.8
131.2
125.4
122.5
128. 1

124.2
121.9
127.5
122. 2
119.6
125.3

1. 9
6. 8
8
_# 3
0
7

4.7
10.2
3. 7
2.3
2.4
3.0

25.705
5.513
8.909
2.647
3. 490
5. 146

129.2
133. 8
131.9
126. 2
119.0
128.4

126.7
125.3
130.8
126.4
118. 8
127.3

123.4
121.6
127.9
121. 1
115. 5
124.9

2. 0
6. 8
8
„_ 2
2
9

4. 7
10.0
3. 1
4. 2
3.0
2.8

12. 442
2.796
4. 219
1.314
1. 644
2. 469

128. 2
133.5
130. 8
124.5
117.4
127. 2

125. 7
124.6
129. 6
126. 2
117.2
126.6

122.6
121.4
126. 1
120. 6
115.3
124. 2

2. 0
7. 1
9
1. 3
2
5

4.6
10.0
3. 7
3.2
1. 8
2.4

16.907
3.892
5.788
1. 711
2. 194
3. 322

127. 0
132.8
129. 2
122.4
117.5
125.4

124. 7
124.5
128. 2
123.8
117. 3
124.4

121.9
120. 8
125.5
120. 6
114. 7
122.7

1. 8
6. 7

4.2
9. 9
2. 9
1.5
2.4
2. 2

Class B (250, 000 to 1. 4 million) :
All items
Food
Hrmc;ina
nuusing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation
Class C (50, 000 to 250, 000) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Tran sportation
Health and recreation
Class D(2, 500 to 50, 000) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation
1

8
1. 1
2

Based upon I960 Census of Population.
These relative importance data include the 0. 38 percent weight for personal financing charges, other than mortgage interest and auto financing
charges, which is imputed from priced items.
2




24

Brief Explanation of the CPI
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures average
changes in prices of goods and services usually bought
by urban wage earners and clerical workers. It is based
on prices of about 400 items which were selected to represent the movement of prices of all goods and services
purchased by wage earners and clerical workers. Prices
for these items are obtained in urban portions of 39
major statistical areas and 17 smaller cities, which were
chosen to represent all urban places in the United States.
They are collected from about 18,000 establishmentsgrocery and department stores, hospitals, filling stations,
and other types of stores and service establishments.
Prices of foods, fuels, and a few other items are
obtained every month in all 56 locations. Prices of most
other commodities and services are collected every month
in the five largest areas and every 3 months in other
areas. Prices of most goods and services are obtained by

personal visits of the Bureau's trained representatives.
Mail questionnaires are used to obtain local transit fares,
public utility rates, newspaper prices, fuel prices, and
certain other items.
In calculating the index, price changes for the various
items in each location are averaged together with weights
which represent their importance in the spending of all
wage earners and clerical workers. Local data are then
combined to obtain a U.S. city average. Separate indexes
are also published for 23 areas.
The index measures price changes from a designated
reference date—1967—which equals 100.0. An increase
of 22 percent, for example, is shown as 122.0. This
change can also be expressed in dollars as follows: The
price of a base period "market basket" of goods and
services bought by urban wage earners and clerical
workers has risen from $10 in 1967 to $12.20.

A Note on Seasonally Adjusted and Unadjusted Data
Because price data are used for different purposes by
different groups, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes
seasonally adjusted as well as unadjusted changes each
month.
For analyzing general price trends in the economy,
seasonally adjusted changes are usually preferred, since
they eliminate the effect of changes that normally occur
at the same time and in about the same magnitude every
year such as price movements resulting from changing




climatic conditions, production cycles, model changeovers, holidays, and sales.
The unadjusted data are of primary interest to
consumers concerned about the prices they actually pay.
Unadjusted data also are used extensively for escalation
purposes. Many collective bargaining contract agreements
and pension plans, for example, tie compensation
changes to the Consumer Price Index unadjusted for seasonal variation.

25

Reliability of Percent Changes in the CPI
are about 95 out of 100 that the percent change in the
CPI as computed differs from the corresponding "complete coverage" change by less than twice the standard error.
Because the CPI is rounded to one decimal place,
some ambiguity may arise in interpreting small index
changes. As the table indicates, for example, a monthto-month change of 0.1 percent in the all-items CPI
is significant. Because of rounding, however, a change
of this size in the published index might result from a
much smaller change in the unrounded value. Hence,
any particular change of 0.1 percent may or may not
be significant. On the other hand, a published change of
0.2 percent is almost always significant, regardless of
the time period to which it relates.
This replaces the table of average errors based on
1971 data which was included in the CPI report through
December 1972.

A system of "replicated" samples introduced into
the index structure in the 1964 revision permits an estimate of sampling error for the CPI. l The table below
shows standard errors for monthly, quarterly, and
Average standard errors of percent changes in the
CPI based on 1971 data

Component

All items
Food at home
Food away from
home
Housing
Apparel and upkeep. . .
Transportation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and
recreation
Other goods and
services

Monthly
change

Standard error
Quarterly
change

Annual
change

.03
.07

.05
.10

.08
.12

.08
.05
.19
.09
.06
.11

.15
.08
.31
.16
.10
.19

.30

.20
.17
.34

.06

.10

.16

.08

.14

.32

The method of deriving these estimates is described in a
paper by Marvin Wilkerson, ''Measurement of Sampling Krror
ifi the Consumer Price Index," Journal of the American Statistical Association, September 1967.

annual percent changes in the CPI for all items and
for nine commodity groupings based on 1971 averages.
The figures may be interpreted as follows: The chances

A Note About Calculating Index Changes
Percent changes expressed as annual rates are computed according to the standard formula for compound
growth rates. These data indicate what the percent change
would be if the current rate were maintained for a 12month period.
Movements of the indexes from 1 month to another
are usually expressed as percent changes rather than
changes in index points because index point changes are
affected by the level of the index in relation to its base
period while percent changes are not. The following example illustrates the computation of index point and
percent changes:




26

CPI
less previous index
index point difference =

123.8
123.2
0.6

Index point difference divided by the index for
the previous period:
1 2 3

-8-123-2
123.2

x 100 = 0.5

Seasonally adjusted percent changes in the U.S. All
Items Index are based on seasonal adjustment factors and
seasonally adjusted indexes carried to two decimal places.
This procedure helps to eliminate rounding error in the
percent changes.

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
REGIONAL OFFICES

Region I
1603 JFK Federal Building
Government Center
Boston, Mass. 02203
Phone: 223-6762 (Area Code 617)

Region V
8th Floor, 300 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, III. 60606
Phone: 353-1880 (Area Code 312)

Region II
1515 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10036
Phone: 971-5405 (Area Code 212)

Region VI
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 6B7
Dallas, Tex. 75202
Phone: 749-3516 (Area Code 214)

Region IN
P.O. Box 13309
Philadelphia, Pa. 19101
Phone: 526-1154 (Area Code 215)

Region VII and VIII
Federal Office Building
911 Walnut St., 15th floor
Kansas City, Mo. 64106
Phone: 374-2481 (Area Code 816)

Region IV
Suite 540
1371 Peachtree St. NE.
Atlanta, Ga. 30309
Phone: 526-5418 (Area Code 404)

Region IX and X
450 Golden Gate Ave.
Box 36017
San Francisco, Calif. 94102
Phone: 556-4678 (Area Code 415)




Regions VII and VIII are serviced by Kansas City.
Regions IX and X are serviced by San Francisco.