US inflation likely rose in Feb before Middle East war: Report

US consumer prices likely rose in February, driven by a nearly 0.8% increase in gasoline costs amid expectations of escalating tensions in Middle East, reported Reuters. Economists surveyed by Reuters estimate the CPI rose by 0.3% last month after a 0.2% increase in January. Prices for goods like apparel and household furnishings also increased as businesses passed tariffs onto consumers.