CPI Increased 0.2% in May

The consumer price index increased 0.2% in May, as the indexes for energy and all items less food and energy rose during the month. Over the last twelve months, the all items index rose 1.0% before seasonal adjustment.

The energy index increased for the third consecutive month, rising 1.2%. The gasoline index drove the increase, rising 2.3% after an 8.1% increase in April. Fuel oil and natural gas prices also increased, rising 6.2% and 1.7% respectively.

The food index fell 0.2% following a 0.2% gain in April. Prices for food at home fell 0.5%, the fifth decline in the past seven months. Food away from home also fell 0.5% in May.

Prices for all items less food and energy increased 0.2%, the same increase as in April. The advance was primarily due to a rise in the shelter index, which increased 0.4%, its largest advance since February 2007.

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