Consumer Prices Up in October, Excluding Food and Energy

Washington, DC, November 17, 2015—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.2% in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 0.2% before seasonal adjustment.

The indexes for food, energy, and all items less food and energy all increased modestly in October. The food index, which increased 0.4% in September, rose 0.1% in October, with four of the six major grocery store food group indexes rising. The energy index, which declined in August and September, advanced 0.3% in October; major energy component indexes were mixed.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2% in October, the same increase as in September. Advances in the indexes for shelter and medical care were the largest contributors to the increase, with the indexes for personal care, airline fares, recreation, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco also rising. In contrast, the indexes for apparel, new vehicles, household furnishings and operations, and used cars and trucks all declined in October.

The all items index rose 0.2% over the last 12 months. The 12-month change has been between negative 0.2% and positive 0.2% since January. The food index has increased 1.6% over the past year, and the index for all items less food and energy has risen 1.9%. These advances have been mostly offset by a 17.1% decline in the energy index.