BLS noted, “The largest contributor to the
March increase in nonpetroleum prices was a 3.6% advance in the price index for
nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials. That rise was mostly driven by
a jump in unfinished metals prices, although higher prices for natural gas,
finished metals and chemicals also factored into the advance. Nonpetroleum
industrial supplies and materials prices rose 14.7% over the past 12 months.” Many of these items affect the cost of
construction materials.