Construction input prices inch down in December

Overall construction input prices declined 0.1 percent in December, yet despite the lack of inflation for the month, prices are up 5 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today.  Nonresidential construction materials prices also declined 0.1 percent for the month and are up 4.8 percent from the same time one year ago.  Energy prices have been more volatile lately. Natural gas prices increased 13.7 percent from November, but are 6.3 percent lower on a year-over-year basis. Crude petroleum prices rose 16.4 percent between December 2016 and December 2017 and have been climbing higher during the first days of 2018.