Consumer Inflation Remains Low

Washington, DC, April 15, 2011 -- Consumer inflation generally remained subdued last month despite higher prices for food, gasoline and rent.

The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index rose 0.5% in March, matching February's increase.

In the past 12 months, the index has increased 2.7%, the biggest rise since December 2009.

Outside volatile food and gas, the so-called core index rose 0.1%.

In the past 12 months, core prices rose 1.2%. The March increase is well below the 10-year average of 1.9%.