U.S. consumers got a break last month and the decline in gasoline prices is among the big factors behind the inflation news, Ben writes.

Driving the news: The overall Consumer Price Index fell for the first time since last summer. Over the past 12 months ending in December, the index is up 6.5%, falling from 7.1% through November.

Zoom in: The index for gasoline was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all items decrease, more than offsetting increases in shelter indexes,” the Labor Department reported.

The drop in pump prices also pushed the catch-all energy index — which includes power and natural gas — downward too. Go deeper

See Affordable Solar Panels

See The Best Solar Installer in Las Vegas