Prices in America went back up last month, having marginally decreased in the prior month.

The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.2% last month following a 0.1% decline in March. Over the past 12 months, the all-items index increased by 2.3% before seasonal adjustment.

The shelter index rose by 0.3% in April, contributing to more than half of the overall monthly increase. This was accompanied by a 0.7% rise in the energy index, driven by increases in the indexes for natural gas and electricity, which more than offset a decline in the gasoline index. 

In contrast, the food index fell by 0.1%, with the food at home index decreasing by 0.4% and the food away from home index rising by 0.4%. Excluding food and energy, the all items index increased by 0.2% in April, following a 0.1% increase in March.

Notable increases were observed in household furnishings and operations, medical care, motor vehicle insurance, education, and personal care. The indexes for airline fares, used cars and trucks, communication, and apparel were among the major indexes that declined in April.

Over the last 12 months, the all-items index rose by 2.3%, slightly lower than the 2.4% increase recorded for the 12 months ending in March. The index for all items less food and energy increased by 2.8% over the past year. 

The energy index went down 3.7%, while the food index rose by 2.8% over the same period.