The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased0.2 percent in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the allitems index increased 3.6 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.3 percent inMay, its largest increase since July 2008. The indexes for apparel,shelter, new vehicles, and recreation all contributed to theacceleration, rising more in May than in April. These increases morethan offset declines in the indexes for airline fare, tobacco, andpersonal care.The food index rose in May as well.

The food at home index repeatedits April increase of 0.5 percent as four of the six major grocerystore food group indexes increased, with the index for meats,poultry, fish, and eggs rising the most. In contrast, the energyindex, which had been rising sharply, declined in May. The gasolineindex decreased for the first time since last June, although theindex for household energy increased.

The upward trend among the 12 month increases of major indexescontinued in May. The 12 month change in the all items index, whichwas 1.1 percent as recently as November, reached 3.6 percent in May.The energy index has increased 21.5 percent over the last 12 months,the food index has risen 3.5 percent and the index for all items lessfood and energy has increased 1.5 percent. All of these figures havebeen rising in recent months.