Consumer Price Index Down 0.1% in August

Washington, DC, September 30, 2015—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.1% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 0.2% before seasonal adjustment.

The gasoline index declined sharply in August and was the main cause of the seasonally adjusted all items decrease. Other energy indexes were mixed, with the fuel oil index continuing to decline but the indexes for electricity and natural gas increasing in August.

The food index rose 0.2% in August, with the indexes for eggs and for fruits and vegetables rising notably.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1% in August, the same increase as in July. The index for shelter rose, as did the indexes for apparel, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. However the index for airline fares declined sharply, and the indexes for household furnishings and operations, recreation, and used cars and trucks also decreased in August, with the indexes for new vehicles and medical care unchanged.