Consumer Prices Ticked Up in March

Washington, DC, April 14, 2016—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1% in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 0.9% before seasonal adjustment.

The food index declined in March, while the indexes for energy and for all items less food and energy rose, leading to the slight seasonally adjusted increase in the all items index. The food index fell 0.2% after rising in February, as five of the six major grocery store food groups declined. The energy index rose for the first time since November, with all of its major components except natural gas increasing. 

While the index for all items less food and energy increased in March, the 0.1% advance was the smallest increase since August. Major component indexes were mixed in March. The indexes for shelter, recreation, medical care, education, tobacco, and personal care were among those that rose, while the indexes for apparel, airline fares, communication, household furnishings and operations, and used cars and trucks all declined. 

The all items index rose 0.9% over the last 12 months, a slightly smaller increase than the 1.0% change for the 12 months ending February. The index for all items less food and energy has risen 2.2% over the last 12 months, and the food index has increased 0.8%. Despite rising in March, the energy index has declined 12.6% over the last year.