The U.S. Department of Labor reported a 2.4% year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February, consistent with January's figures and economists' expectations. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose by 2.5% year-over-year, also aligning with forecasts. However, recent volatility in U.S. crude oil prices, averaging $82 per barrel in March compared to $65 in February, could drive higher inflation in March. RSM Chief Economist Joseph Brusuelas suggests that a $10 increase in oil prices typically adds 0.2 percentage points to inflation. Economists anticipate that the current inflation rate, which has been suppressed due to missing housing data from last October's government shutdown, will adjust in April, potentially leading to a rebound in the measured inflation rate.