OTTAWA: Canadian consumer prices remained nearly flat in the 12-month period ending in May, rising only 0.1 percent -- down from 0.4 percent in April as energy prices plummeted, Statistics Canada said Thursday.

Gasoline prices fell 25.1 percent, due more to higher prices in 2008 than current market conditions, the government agency said.

Prices for oil and other fuels fell 40.6 percent year-over-year, and natural gas prices dropped 18.8 percent.

The cost of purchasing a car or truck also fell 6.6 percent, but overall transportation costs were tempered by an increase in vehicle insurance premiums.

Food prices, meanwhile, rose 7.4 percent.

Mortgage interest costs also increased 1.9 percent.