The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis in February, after rising 0.2% in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.4% before seasonal adjustment. The index for shelter rose 0.2% in February and was the largest factor in the all items monthly increase. The food index increased 0.4% over the month as did the food at home index, while the food away from home index rose 0.3%. The index for energy also increased in February, rising 0.6%.
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2% in February. Indexes that increased over the month include medical care, apparel, household furnishings and operations, airline fares, and education. Conversely, the indexes for communication, used cars and trucks, motor vehicle insurance, and personal care were among the major indexes that decreased in February.
The all items index rose 2.4% for the 12 months ending February, the same increase as reported for the 12 months ending January. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.5% over the year, also the same increase as reported for the 12 months ending in January. The energy index increased 0.5% for the 12 months ending February.
The food index increased 3.1% over the last year.
