Consumer prices increased 0.3% last month, the Labor Department reported today.

Prices have increased during five of the past six months. In September, the Consumer Price Index increased 0.3%. During the past 12 months, prices fell 0.2%

Excluding food and energy costs, the CPI increased 0.2% in October, the same as in September. That index increased 1.7% in the past year.

Energy prices rose 1.5%, up from 0.6% in September. Those prices have fallen 14% in the past year.

Food prices increased 0.1% in October, following September’s decline of 0.1%. They have fallen 0.6% in the last year.

Housing prices were unchanged for the second consecutive month. Those prices increased 0.7% in the past year.

Prices for medical care services increased 0.2%, following a 0.4% increase in September. Those prices have increased 3.2% in the last year.