OTTAWA, Nov. 21 -- The price of gasoline and food led the 2.6 percent increase in the cost of living in Canada in the 12 months to October, Statistics Canada reported Friday.

On a monthly basis, gasoline prices fell 13.4 percent from September to October, but on an annual basis were up 13.3 percent, the agency said.

"Food prices continued to gain momentum, increasing 6.1 percent in October, after a 5.6 percent rise in September," the report said.

Housing costs in the Consumer Price Index rose 3.8 percent month-over-month in October, driven largely by mortgage interest costs and heating fuels.

Transportation costs advanced 1.6 percent in October, attributed to fuel costs, rises in prices for passenger vehicle insurance and air transportation, Stats Can said.

The clothing and footwear price index was the only major component that declined in October, the agency said.(UPI)