The rising cost of gasoline boosted the U.S. inflation rate in March, the U.S. government said today.

The U.S. Labor Department said the consumer price index rose by 0.4% last month, after climbing by 0.1% in February.

The jump in inflation was propelled by gasoline prices, which rose by 3.6%. Rising prices for clothing and hotel rooms were also main factors in the monthly increase in the inflation rate.

The core rate of inflation, which excludes volatile elements such as energy and food, grew in March by 0.3%. It was the biggest increase in core inflation since March 2005.

Economists are concerned that the rise in gasoline prices could have a spillover effect, pushing prices up other sectors of the U.S. economy.

Canadian inflation figures are due to be released on April 20.