The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis, with a 2.4% increase over the past year. Shelter costs were the primary driver of the monthly rise, while energy prices fell 1.0%, led by a 2.6% decline in gasoline prices. Food prices rose 0.3% in May and 2.9% annually, with eggs surging 41.5% year-over-year. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.1% for the month and 2.8% over the year, supported by higher costs for shelter, medical care, and vehicle insurance, despite declines in airfare, vehicle, and apparel prices. They write:
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in May, after rising 0.2 percent in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.
The index for shelter rose 0.3 percent in May and was the primary factor in the all items monthly increase. The food index increased 0.3 percent as both of its major components, the index for food at home and the index for food away from home also rose 0.3 percent in May. In contrast, the energy index declined 1.0 percent in May as the gasoline index fell over the month.
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.1 percent in May, following a 0.2-percent increase in April. Indexes that increased over the month include medical care, motor vehicle insurance, household furnishings and operations, personal care, and education. The indexes for airline fares, used cars and trucks, new vehicles, and apparel were among the major indexes that decreased in May.
The all items index rose 2.4 percent for the 12 months ending May, after rising 2.3 percent over the 12 months ending April. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.8 percent over the last 12 months. The energy index decreased 3.5 percent for the 12 months ending May. The food index increased 2.9 percent over the last year.
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