The Consumer Price Index for decreased 0.1 percent in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 1.9 percent.
A decrease in the energy index was the main contributor to the monthly decrease in the all items index. The energy index fell 2.7 percent, led by a decline of 6.4 percent in the gasoline index. The food index rose 0.2 percent, due to increases in four of the six major grocery store food group indexes.
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.1 percent in May, as it did in April. The shelter index increased 0.2 percent over the month. However, many indexes declined in May, including those for apparel, airline fares, communication, and medical care services.