Calgarians, and Albertans in general, are having to dig a little deeper to cover the cost of their groceries and monthly bills.
According to Statistics Canada, the annual inflation rates in Calgary (2.9%) and Alberta (2.5%) are higher than the national average (2.1%).
Among the price hikes, Alberta recorded the largest increase in natural gas prices. According to ATB Financial’ chief economist Todd Hirsch, the jump is the result of a deregulated natural gas industry.
“Home heating costs fluctuate wildly so it tends to hit us a little bit more,” explains Hirsch. “On the other hand, back in June those natural gas prices were down so there's a lot of volatility.”
Grocery store and restaurants are raising their prices as well with a spike in the cost of fresh foods including:
- Fruit (Priced 12% higher than in 2013)
- Vegetables (Priced 9% higher than in 2013)
- Meat (Priced 9% higher than in 2013)
One local grocer says the start of summer normally brings a price jump, but those prices return to normal in the weeks before September. This year, the high prices have remained constant.
“We've noticed in produce, especially in citrus, its gone up and its stayed up,” explains Sue Ghebari of Mayland Heights Family Foods. “As well as apples , limes, lemons, anything citrus.”
The one reprieve for Calgarians suffering from sticker shock is the cost of electricity which is down 18 %.
To view the entire list of price fluctuations between 2013 and 2014, visit Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index
With files from CTV's Ina Sidhu
