OTTAWA, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A surge in gasoline and food prices helped push Canada's cost of living up by 2.9 percent in October on an annual basis, Statistics Canada reported Friday.
For the 12 months to October, prices in all major sectors increased.
"On a year-over-year basis, gasoline prices rose 18.2 percent, after advancing 22.7 percent in September," the agency said. "Consumers paid 4.3 percent more for food in the 12 months to October, matching the gain posted in September."
Within the energy sector, prices for fuel oil and electricity rose while natural gas prices continued to fall, StatsCan said.
Overall transportation costs, including gasoline, were up 6.7 percent in the 12 months to October, following a 7.9 percent gain in September with higher costs for vehicle insurance premiums and the purchase of passenger vehicles.
