U.S. Consumer Prices Rose a Scant 0.1% in March, Showing Little Inflation Pressure

WASHINGTON—U.S. consumer prices rose in March for the first time in four months, but the mild gain underscores that only modest inflation pressures exist in the economy.

The consumer-price index edged higher last month, a 0.1% gain from a month earlier, the Labor Department said Thursday. Prices for gasoline, medical care and shelter all increased in March, but those gains were partially offset by a decline in prices for food and…