Inflation eased in February: the Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% last month, while the gauge that excludes food and energy prices increased by a similar amount, the Labor Department said on Wednesday.

Inflation eased last month, but the data may offer less comfort to businesses, consumers and the Fed than it otherwise would as looming tariffs may keep prices rising.

U.S. consumer prices increased moderately in February as higher shelter costs were partially offset by cheaper airline fares, giving the Federal Reserve room to keep interest rates unchanged next week while monitoring the economic impact of a trade war.