September CPI: consumer prices rise 0.6% as gasoline jumps 9.1%; annual inflation climbs to 3.7%

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.6% in September as a 9.1% jump in gasoline accounted for more than half the increase, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted increase followed a 0.4% rise in August. Over the past 12 months, the all-items index climbed 3.7%, up from 3.4% in the year through August.

Energy drove the gain. The energy index rose 5.2% for the month and is now up 20.4% from a year earlier, driven by a 34.2% annual surge in gasoline. Fuel oil jumped 15.3% in September alone.

Underlying inflation was steadier but edged higher on an annual basis. The index excluding food and energy — known as core CPI — rose 0.3% for a second straight month. Core prices were up 2.6% from a year ago, compared with 2.4% in August.

Housing costs firmed. The shelter index rose 0.4% after a 0.3% gain in August, though owners’ equivalent rent rose a more modest 0.3% and rent increased 0.2%. Shelter is up 3.2% over the year.

Other notable movers included used cars and trucks, up 0.7%, and airline fares, up 1.2% on the month and 22.4% from a year earlier. Communication prices fell 0.2%.

Food prices were unchanged overall as food at home slipped 0.1%, with beef down 1.0% and milk down 2.0%. Restaurant prices rose 0.2%.

The October CPI report is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

By the numbers

• Headline CPI: +0.6% in September; +3.7% year over year
• Core CPI: +0.3% in September; +2.6% year over year
• Gasoline: +9.1% in September; +34.2% year over year
• Energy: +20.4% year over year
• Shelter: +0.4% in September; +3.2% year over year
• Food: unchanged in September; +2.5% year over year

Sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consumer Price Index — September 2026,” news release USDL-26-1574, released Oct. 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET.

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