Allegheny said the drop reflected lower prices, which were pushed down by competition.
Some of this weakness, particularly in gasoline and food, reflected lower prices rather than reduced demand.
Much of the rise reflected higher prices caused by the dollar's low international value.
Much of a 1.9 percent jump at gasoline services stations, however, reflected higher prices.
A cost index can only reflect changing prices, not the amount of goods and services a university purchases.
This acceleration reflected higher prices of goods and services bought by consumers, the department said.
The strong financial health of the industry reflects higher retail prices and lower manufacturing costs.
The figures reflect not only less activity, but also lower prices for companies.
Much of the sales increase, moreover, such as that for groceries, reflected higher prices.
Food and gasoline showed the most significant increases, both reflecting higher prices.