Consumer Price Index Increased by 0.4% in April

Washington, DC, May 17, 2016—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.4% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 1.1% before seasonal adjustment.

The seasonally adjusted all items increase was broad-based, with the indexes for food, energy, and all items less food and energy all rising in April. The food index rose 0.2% after declining in March, with the food at home index increasing slightly. The index for energy increased 3.4%, with the gasoline index rising 8.1%, and the indexes for fuel oil and natural gas also advancing.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in April. The shelter index rose 0.3%, as did the index for medical care, and the indexes for motor vehicle insurance, airline fares, recreation, and education increased as well. Several other component indexes increased slightly, including those for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and personal care.

In contrast, the indexes for household furnishings and operations, apparel, new vehicles, used cars and trucks, and communication all declined.

The all items index rose 1.1% for the 12 months ending April, a larger increase than the 0.9% increase for the 12 months ending March. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.1% over the last 12 months, compared to a 2.2% rise for the 12 months ending March. The food index has risen 0.9% over the last 12 months, and the energy index has declined 8.9%.