CPI for all items rose 0.4% in February; gasoline and shelter up

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent in February on a
seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.3 percent in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.2 percent before seasonal
adjustment.

The index for shelter rose in February, as did the index for gasoline. Combined, these two indexes
contributed over sixty percent of the monthly increase in the index for all items. The energy index
rose 2.3 percent over the month, as all of its component indexes increased. The food index was
unchanged in February, as was the food at home index. The food away from home index rose 0.1 percent
over the month.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.4 percent in February, as it did in January.
Indexes which increased in February include shelter, airline fares, motor vehicle insurance, apparel,
and recreation. The index for personal care and the index for household furnishings and operations were
among those that decreased over the month.

The all items index rose 3.2 percent for the 12 months ending February, a larger increase than the
3.1-percent increase for the 12 months ending January. The all items less food and energy index rose
3.8 percent over the last 12 months. The energy index decreased 1.9 percent for the 12 months ending
February, while the food index increased 2.2 percent over the last year.