Consumer Prices Post Largest Gain in More Than Two Years

The Labor Department said on Thursday its Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent last month after gaining 0.1 percent in April. That was the largest increase since February 2013, and left the CPI unchanged in the 12 months through May after a 0.2 percent yearly decline in April.

Last month, gasoline prices jumped 10.4 percent, the biggest increase since June 2009, accounting for most of the increase in the CPI.

 The index for rent increased 0.3 percent. The medical care index increased 0.2 percent. There were also increases in the prices of new motor vehicles, tobacco and alcoholic beverages.