The annual inflation rate in Alberta rose higher in February than the national average, according to Statistics Canada.

The federal agency reported on Friday that the Consumer Price Index in the province was up 1.1 per cent from January and by 1.6 per cent year over year.

In Canada, inflation rose by 0.7 per cent month over month and by 1.5 per cent year over year.

“Energy prices were 5.7 per cent lower compared with February 2018, following a larger decline the previous month. Year-over-year price declines for gasoline (-11.9 per cent) and fuel oil and other fuels (-1.5 per cent) were smaller in February than in January. Tighter oil supplies and the temporary closure of several refineries for seasonal maintenance affected prices at the pump, leading to the first month-over-month increase in the gasoline index since July 2018,” explained StatsCan.

“On a year-over-year basis, consumers paid more for fresh vegetables (+14.3 per cent) and fresh fruit (+3.8 per cent) in February compared with January.”

Mario Toneguzzi is a Troy Media business reporter based in Calgary. He writes for Calgary’s Business.

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