Consumer Price Index Falls 0.2%, Largely due to Gasoline

Washington, DC, October 15, 2015—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers decreased 0.2% in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

Over the last 12 months, the all items index was essentially unchanged before seasonal adjustment.

The energy index fell 4.7% in September, with all major component indexes declining. The gasoline index continued to fall sharply and was again the main cause of the seasonally adjusted all items decrease. The indexes for fuel oil, electricity, and natural gas declined as well.

In contrast to the energy declines, the indexes for food and for all items less food and energy both accelerated in September. The food index rose 0.4%, its largest increase since May 2014.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2% in September. The indexes for shelter, medical care, household furnishings and operations, and personal care all increased; the indexes for apparel, used cars and trucks, new vehicles, and airline fares were among those that declined.

The all items index was essentially unchanged for the 12 months ending September after posting a 0.2% increase for the 12 months ending August. The 18.4% decline in the energy index over the past year offset increases in the indexes for food (up 1.6%) and all items less food and energy (up 1.9%).