WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices rose in June as the cost of gasoline surged, but the underlying trend remained consistent with a gradual build-up of inflationary pressures, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report from the U.S.  Department of Labor.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.3% last month, with gasoline accounting for two-thirds of the gain, after May's 0.4% rise.

In the 12 months through June, the CPI increased 2.1% after a similar rise in May. Overall, inflation is creeping up as the economy's recovery becomes more durable, alleviating some concerns that price pressures were too low.

June's increase in the CPI was in line with economists' expectations. Gasoline prices jumped 3.3%, the largest rise in a year, after increasing 0.7% in May. While prices for electricity also rose, they slowed from May's brisk 2.3% increase.

Food prices edged up 0.1% in June, the smallest rise since January. Food prices have now advanced for six straight months. A drought in California last year has been pushing up prices, but the momentum is ebbing.