Consumer prices increased 0.1% last month, the Labor Department reported today.
Prices have increased during seven of the past eight months.
In November, the Consumer Price Index increased 0.4%. During the past 12 months, prices have increased 2.7%.
Excluding food and energy costs, consumer prices rose 0.1%, following no change in November. That index increased 1.8% in the past year.
Energy prices rose 0.2% last month, followed by a 4.1% increase in October. Those prices have risen 18.2% in the past year.
Food prices increased 2% in December, following a 1% rise in November. They fell 0.5% in the past year.
Housing prices were unchanged after falling 0.2% in November. Those prices increased 0.3% in the past year.
