March 19, 2007 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

CPI in February

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) advanced 0.4 percent in February 2007, following a 0.2-percent increase in January.

Percent change from 12 months ago, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, not seasonally adjusted, February 1998-February 2007
[Chart data—TXT]

Energy costs increased 0.9 percent in February after declining 1.5 percent in January. In February, the index for petroleum-based energy increased 0.3 percent and the index for energy services rose 1.5 percent.

The food index rose 0.8 percent in February, following a 0.7-percent increase in January. Grocery store foods rose 1.1 percent, largely reflecting a 4.7-percent increase in the index for fruits and vegetables.

The index for all items less food and energy advanced 0.2 percent in February, following a 0.3-percent rise in January; an increase in the index for shelter accounted for about one-half of the February advance.

For the 12 months ended in February 2007, the CPI-U rose 2.4 percent, as shown in the chart.

These data are from the BLS Consumer Price Index program. To learn more, see "Consumer Price Index: February 2007" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 07-0376.