Inflation, after posting a big spike at the start of the year, slowed sharply in February, reflecting large declines in gasoline and other fuel prices.

The Consumer Price Index edged up a tiny 0.1 percent last month, the Labor Department reported Thursday, after a 0.7 percent surge in January that was driven by higher energy costs.

But in February, energy prices fell by 1.2 percent as gasoline pump prices dropped 1 percent, home heating oil was down 2.8 percent and natural gas prices fell 4.5 percent, the biggest one-month drop in 4 1/2 years.

Food prices also showed moderation last month, rising by just 0.2 percent.