US CPI Rises 0.6% in September as Energy Prices Surge

US consumer prices rose 0.6% month-on-month in September 2026, accelerating from 0.4% in August, in line with expectations and marking the largest monthly increase since April. The energy index surged 5.2%, following a 2.1% rise in August, driven largely by a 9.1% jump in gasoline prices, which accounted for more than half of the overall CPI increase. Shelter costs rose 0.4%, up from 0.3% in August, while food prices were unchanged as higher dining-out costs offset falling grocery prices. Meanwhile, core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased 0.3%, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% rise.

US consumer prices rose 0.4% month-on-month in August 2026, accelerating from 0.1% in July and in line with expectations. It was the largest monthly increase in three months, driven primarily by a 3.9% surge in gasoline prices as crude prices rallied amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Shelter costs rose 0.3%, up from 0.1% in July, while food prices increased 0.1% for a second consecutive month. Communication, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks also contributed to the rise. Meanwhile, medical care and motor vehicle insurance costs declined. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose 0.3% in August, above expectations for a 0.2% increase.

The CPI in the US edged up 0.1% month-over-month in July 2026 as expected, rebounding from a 0.4% decline in June, which marked the first monthly drop since May 2020. The index for shelter rose 0.1%, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the monthly total increase. Food prices also were up 0.1% and other increases were seen for medical care (0.4%), airline fares (2.2%), communication (0.6%), education (0.5%), and recreation (0.2%). In contrast, gasoline prices decreased 2.9% and motor vehicle insurance was down 0.3%.