The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.3% on a year-over-year basis in March, following a 2.2% increase in February. This was the largest year-over-year increase since October 2014. Excluding gasoline, the CPI increased 1.8%, matching the gain in February.

Seven of eight major components increased on a year-over-year basis in March. The clothing and footwear index (-0.1%) was the lone major component to decline year over year.

For the second consecutive month, energy prices rose more on a year-over-year basis. Gasoline prices were 17.1% higher compared with March 2017, and were the largest contributor to the gain in energy prices.

The price of services was up 2.7% year over year in March. Passenger vehicle insurance premiums rose 1.4% in the 12 months to March. Recent interest rate increases continue to impact the mortgage interest cost index (+2.8%), which posted its eighth consecutive year-over-year rise.