B.C.’s rate of inflation topped 2.4% in September thanks to rising gasoline prices.
Statistics Canada said Friday gasoline prices rose 17.3% in September, driving up the overall rate of inflation for Canada’s western-most province.
Consumers also paid more for homeowner’s home and mortgage insurance and for restaurant food.
The results largely mirrored the rest of Canada, where the national rate of inflation hit 3.2% in the 12 months to September following a 3.1% increase posted in August.
The national statistical agency said the increase across the country was, again, driven by higher prices for gasoline and food.
Across Canada, gasoline prices rose 22.7% in September, a slight edge downward from the 22.8% increase in August.
Excluding food and energy, Statistics Canada said the consumer price index increased only 1.9% in the 12 months to September.
Joel McKay
@jmckaybiv