Consumer Price Index Rises Again

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index increased 1.2% in March. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 8.5% before seasonal adjustment. Increases in the indexes for gasoline, shelter, and food were the largest contributors to the seasonally adjusted all items increase.

The food index increased 1% in March as the food at home index increased 1.5% over the month. All six major grocery store food group indexes increased in March. The largest increase was for other food at home, which increased 2% over the month. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 1.5% following a 2.3% increase in February. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased 1% in March, while the index for cereals and bakery products rose 1.5%, and the index for nonalcoholic beverages increased 1.2% over the month. The dairy and related products index also increased 1.2% in March.

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