Boston consumer price index rises

Higher gas prices helped boost the consumer price index for the Boston area 0.6 percent in January, the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Higher grocery store prices and medical care costs further contributed to the overall two-month increase in the index, as did higher shelter costs primarily for lodging away from home, the bureau said.

Since January 2006, the index for Boston rose 1.8 percent, slightly less than the increase in core inflation, which was up 1.9 percent, the bureau said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)