Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Inflation: Headline CPI Comes In At 0.3% For February, 2.4% For The Last Twelve Months

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 11: 

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - FEBRUARY 2026

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in February, after rising 0.2 percent in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose 0.2 percent in February and was the largest factor in the all items monthly increase. The food index increased 0.4 percent over the month as did the food at home index, while the food away from home index rose 0.3 percent. The index for energy also increased in February, rising 0.6 percent.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in February. Indexes that increased over the month include medical care, apparel, household furnishings and operations, airline fares, and education. Conversely, the indexes for communication, used cars and trucks, motor vehicle insurance, and personal care were among the major indexes that decreased in February.

The all items index rose 2.4 percent for the 12 months ending February, the same increase as reported for the 12 months ending January. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.5 percent over the year, also the same increase as reported for the 12 months ending in January. The energy index increased 0.5 percent for the 12 months ending February. 
The food index increased 3.1 percent over the last year....

....MUCH MORE, narrative and tables including the always informative "Table 2. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U): U. S. city average, by detailed expenditure category"

Electricity was up 6.3% and piped natural gas was up 10.9%