U.S. consumer prices increased by the most in nearly 1-1/2 years in January, with Americans facing higher costs for housing and food, reinforcing the Federal Reserve's message that it was in no rush to resume cutting interest rates amid growing uncertainty over the economy.

The producer price index for final demand rose 0.4% last month after an upwardly revised 0.5% gain in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.

U.S. import prices increased slightly less than expected in January as a surge in the cost of fuels was partially offset by decreases in the prices of motor vehicles and consumer goods, offering some hope in the fight against inflation.