WASHINGTON — A surge in the price of gasoline helped push consumer prices up in April by the largest amount in more than three years, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
Overall consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in April. That follows a 0.1 percent increase in March.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, was up 0.2 percent in April compared to a 0.1 percent gain in March.
Economists have been watching the Federal Reserve as it keeps a close eye on inflation. Over the past year, inflation has risen modestly — 1.1 percent overall while core prices have gone up 2.1 percent. Low inflation has allowed the Fed to keep interest rates at historically low levels.
Here is a breakdown of price increases:
- Energy prices: up 3.4 percent (biggest one-month surge in three years)
- Gas prices (included in energy): up 8.1 percent
- Food: up 0.2 percent
- Transportation services: up 0.7 percent
- Medical care services: up. 0.3 percent
Price decreases included:
- New vehicles: down 0.3 percent
- Used vehicles: down 0.3 percent
- Apparel: down 0.3 percent
- Electricity: down 0.3 percent
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