answer:Why does it matter? With inflation being allowed to continue, the impact is the same either way. Here is the May CPI and Motley’s Fool’s two cent’s worth on it: “The evidence is everywhere, even in the “core” CPI, which pretends that food and energy prices don’t matter. Yet those of us who do eat shelled out 5% more in May than we did last year. Get a load of what inflation has done to the following staples: Goods May 2007 May 2008 Increase Diesel Fuel $2.91 $4.45 53% White Flour $0.35 $0.53 52% Rice $0.54 $0.70 29% Eggs (dozen) $1.50 $1.93 28% Gasoline $3.13 $3.76 20% Gas 100 thrms $128.87 $150.49 17% Milk $3.26 $3.76 15% Bread $1.19 $1.37 15% Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Liquids by the gallon, other commodities per lb.”