The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in May,
after rising 0.6 percent in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all
items index increased 4.2 percent before seasonal adjustment.
The index for energy rose 3.9 percent in May, after rising 3.8 percent in April and 10.9 percent in March. The energy
index accounted for over sixty percent of the monthly all items increase. The index for shelter also increased in May,
rising 0.3 percent. The food index increased 0.2 percent over the month as the food at home index rose 0.1 percent and
the food away from home index increased 0.3 percent.
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in May. Indexes that increased over the month include
communication, airline fares, medical care, personal care, and recreation. Conversely, the indexes for motor vehicle
insurance, household furnishings and operations, and new vehicles were among the major indexes that decreased in May.
The all items index rose 4.2 percent for the 12 months ending May, after rising 3.8 percent for the 12 months ending
April. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.9 percent over the year, following a 2.8-percent increase over
the 12 months ending April. The energy index increased 23.5 percent for the 12 months ending May. The food index
increased 3.1 percent over the last year.