Washington  - Prices for US consumer goods rose at a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.2 per cent in April, the US Labor Department said Wednesday.

The Consumer Price Index increase was less than analysts had predicted and declined from a 0.3 per cent increase in March despite rising food prices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

Food prices jumped 0.9 per cent, the most in 18 years, with increases in the costs of fruits, vegetables, bread, meat and other products.

Energy prices remained flat on a seasonally adjusted basis despite soaring oil prices, as increases at the pump were not as severe as usual spring price jumps.

Decreases in the prices of public transportation, furniture, recreation and hotel lodging helped offset increases in clothing costs, the department said.

Inflation was 3.9 per cent for the 12 months ending in April. (dpa)