The energy index fell 0.6 per cent in February, after increasing 2.0 per cent in January. The natural gas index decreased 8.0 per cent over the month, the largest 1-month decrease in that series since October 2006. The fuel oil index fell 7.9 per cent over the month, following a 1.2-per cent decline in January, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics added.

In contrast, the gasoline index rose 1.0 per cent in February, following a 2.4-per cent increase in the previous month. Before seasonal adjustment, gasoline prices rose 1.7 per cent in February. The energy index rose 5.2 per cent over the past 12 months. The fuel oil index rose 9.2 per cent over the last 12 months, while the index for natural gas increased 14.3 per cent over the same period. The gasoline index decreased 2.0 per cent over the span.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)