U.S. prices jumped 6.8% in November—steepest rise since 1982

Consumer prices jumped last month at their fastest rate since 1982 as surging inflation in items ranging from food to housing showed no signs of abating.

The Consumer Price Index, which tracks the price of a broad range of goods, rose 0.8% November and is up 6.8% from a year ago, the Labor Department said on Friday. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and fuel prices, increased 0.5% last month and 4.9% over the last year.

The price increases hit a broad range of goods, with food, shelter, new and used cars, and gasoline all showing the largest jumps. Energy costs last month soared 33% over the last year, food costs rose 6%, and used car and truck prices climbed 31%.