Led by increases in energy and shelter costs, inflation ticked higher in February.
The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
Inflation numbers for shelter rose in February, as did the index for gasoline, the report said. Combined, the indexes for shelter and energy contributed over 60% of the monthly increase in the index for all items, the CPI report said.
The energy index rose 2.3% over the month, as all its component indexes increased.
The food index was unchanged in February, as was the food at home index. Three of the six major grocery store food group indexes decreased over the month. The index for dairy and related products decreased 0.6% in February, led by a 1.1% decline in the index for cheese and related products. The fruits and vegetables index decreased 0.2% over the month, as did the non-alcoholic beverages index.
The food at home (grocery) index rose 1% over the last 12 months. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 0.8% over the 12 months ending in February, the report said. In comparison, the dairy and related products index fell 1.8% over the year, and the meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index decreased 0.5%.
The index for food away from home rose 4.5% over the last year. The index for limited-service meals rose 5.2% over the last 12 months, and the index for full-service meals rose 3.8% over the same period.