Consumer Prices Rose 0.2% in May

Washington, DC, June 16, 2016—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 1.0%  before seasonal adjustment.

The food index declined in May, but the indexes for energy and all items less food and energy rose, resulting in the seasonally adjusted all items increase. The food index fell 0.2%, as all six major grocery store food group indexes declined. The energy index increased 1.2% as the gasoline index rose 2.3% and the indexes for fuel oil and natural gas also advanced. 

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in May. The shelter index rose 0.4%, and the indexes for medical care, apparel, motor vehicle insurance, and education were among indexes that also increased. These advances more than offset declines in an array of indexes including used cars and trucks, communications, household furnishings and operations, airline fares, and new vehicles.

The all items index rose 1.0% for the 12 months ending May, compared to a 1.1% increase for the 12 months ending April. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.2% over the last 12 months. The food index has risen 0.7% over the last year, with the index for food at home declining 0.7% and the index for food away from home rising 2.6%. The energy index has declined 10.1% over the past 12 months, with all major components falling over the span.