Consumer prices rise 0.5 pct., most since June '09

WASHINGTON - Americans paid more for food and energy in February, but outside those volatile categories inflation was tame.

The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index rose 0.5 percent in February, the largest increase since June 2009. But excluding food and energy costs, core prices rose 0.2 percent, the same as in January.

Gas prices jumped 4.7 percent in February, above January's increase but below December's rise. Food costs increased 0.6 percent, the most in two and a half years.

Costs for other goods and services, such as health care and cars, are also rising. Core consumer prices increased 1.1 percent in the past year, up from a 0.6 percent annual increase in October. Still, that's below the Fed's preferred range of 1.5 percent to 2 percent.