US wholesale prices jump 0.6 percent, most in 6 years | Business

WASHINGTON – U.S. wholesale prices by the most in six years last month, food, and chemicals.

The Labor Department says the producer price index – which measures price increases before they reach the consumer – leapt 0.6 percent in October, after a smaller 0.2 percent rise in September. Producer prices increased 2.9 percent from a year earlier.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories percent in October and 2.6 percent from a year earlier.

Despite last month's increase, the figures suggest inflation pressures are mostly in check. During the summer, rose 3 percent from a year earlier. And oil prices declined in October and are likely to lower costs in the coming months.

Christopher Rugaber, The Associated Press