Rising commodities costs hit Americans at home and on road

Rising prices for a variety of commodities are contributing to a jump in prices at the consumer level

NEW YORK -- Rising prices for a variety of commodities are contributing to a jump in prices at the consumer level, with Americans paying more for meat, gasoline, items they keep in their homes and even the homes themselves. The government said Wednesday that consumer prices surged 0.8% in April from March, while the year-over-year rise was the fastest since 2008. Prices for corn, grain and soybeans are at their highest since 2012; the price of lumber is at an all-time high. Many factors are playing into the price hikes. As the economy strengthens, demand for products is outpacing manufacturers’ ability to produce enough supply of the raw materials. Many manufacturers are still understaffed as employment lags the broader economic recovery. Companies are also paying more for shipping as fuel costs rise and ports experience longer delays because of congestion.