ABJ - May 25 - The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.3 per cent before seasonal adjustment.

The energy index, which had risen in each of the three previous months, declined in April on a seasonally adjusted basis and offset increases in the other major indexes. The gasoline index fell 2.6 per cent in April and accounted for most of the decline in energy, though the indexes for natural gas and fuel oil decreased as well. The food index rose in April as five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 per cent in April, the same increase as in March.

The 12-month change in the index for all items was 2.3 per cent in April, the lowest figure since February 2011. The index for all items less food and energy also increased 2.3 per cent over the last 12 months. This is the first time since October 2009 that the 12-month all items change has not exceeded the 12-month change for all items less food and energy.