(NAFB.com) – The Consumer Price Index increased 1.2 percent in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 8.5 percent before seasonal adjustment. Increases in the indexes for gasoline, shelter, and food were the largest contributors to the seasonally adjusted all items increase.

The food index increased one percent in March as the food at home index increased 1.5 percent over the month. All six major grocery store food group indexes increased in March. The largest increase was for other food at home, which increased two percent over the month.

The index for fruits and vegetables rose 1.5 percent following a 2.3 percent increase in February. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased one percent in March, while the index for cereals and bakery products rose 1.5 percent, and the index for nonalcoholic beverages increased 1.2 percent over the month.

The dairy and related products index also increased 1.2 percent in March.