The US consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.2 per cent on a seasonally-adjusted basis in April this year after falling by 0.1 per cent in March, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS).

Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 2.3 per cent before seasonal adjustment after rising by 2.4 per cent over the 12 months ending March. The April change was the smallest 12-month increase in the all items index since February 2021.

The energy index also increased over the month, rising by 0.7 per cent as increases in the natural gas index and the electricity index more than offset a decline in the gasoline index. The energy index decreased by 3.7 per cent for the 12 months ending April.

The index for all items less food and energy rose by 0.2 per cent in April following a 0.1-per cent increase in March. This index rose by 2.8 per cent over the last 12 months, a BLA release said.

The index for apparel decreased by 0.2 per cent in April and by 0.7 per cent for the 12 months ending April.