Consumer Prices Flat in February After Increases

Washington, DC, March 14, 2008—Consumer prices stabilized in February after a few months of increases, according to the Labor Department.

The consumer price index was unchanged in February after a 0.4 percent gain in January. Energy prices fell in the month, while food prices climbed 0.4 percent.

The core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, was also flat in February following a 0.3 percent gain in the previous month.

Economists were expecting both the CPI and the core rate to rise 0.2 percent.