Inflation in the US eased last month as the cost of filling up at the pumps fell, official figures show. Prices rose 3.5% in the year to June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), down from 4.2% recorded in May. Gasoline prices decreased 9.7% last month, but are still much more expensive than a year ago. On Tuesday, the national average had risen to $3.86 a gallon from $3.79 a week ago, according to motorist advocacy group AAA. However, while the rate of inflation has fallen, the easing of price rises could be short-lived due to the renewed conflict in the Middle East sending global oil prices up again. ... (full story)