Inflation remains mild as cheaper gas lowers US consumer prices 0.2 per cent in March

WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices declined last month as the cost of gas fell sharply and food prices were unchanged. The tame reading is the latest evidence that the sluggish economy is keeping inflation in check.

The Labor Department says the consumer price index declined a seasonally adjusted 0.2 per cent in March, after jumping 0.7 per cent in February. Gas prices fell 4.4 per cent, reversing part of February’s 9.1 per cent gain.

Except for February’s large increase, consumer prices have declined or been unchanged in four of the past five months. In the past year, consumer prices have risen 1.5 per cent. That’s the smallest yearly increase in the past eight months.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 0.1 per cent. In the 12 months ending in March, they rose 1.9 per cent.