U.S. inflation heats up on gasoline prices

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/17/uk-usa-economy-idUKTRE81G0TC20120217

(Reuters) - U.S. gasoline prices jumped 0.9 percent in January, pushing overall consumer prices up and offering a reminder of the risks energy costs pose to the economic recovery.

The 0.2 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index reported by the Labor Department on Friday shows inflation remains largely under control, but a reading of underlying price pressures could reinforce caution at the Federal Reserve as it mulls further measures to help the economy.

The gain in gasoline prices, which followed three straight months of declines, reflected tensions in the Middle East that have pushed oil prices higher.

That has translated in to extra costs at the pump for Americans, leaving them less money to spend on other things.