US inflation reaches 3.7% in September as gasoline prices jump
Gasoline accounted for more than half of the monthly increase in consumer prices, according to the October 14 BLS release.
US consumer prices rose 3.7% in the year through September, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on October 14.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.6% from August on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 0.4% monthly rise in August. The annual rate measures changes over 12 months; it is separate from the monthly increase.
Gasoline prices rose 9.1% during September and accounted for more than half of the overall monthly increase, the BLS said. The broader energy index climbed 5.2%, while shelter costs rose 0.4%.
Food prices were unchanged overall. Grocery prices fell 0.1%, while the cost of food away from home increased 0.2%.
Excluding food and energy, the index rose 0.3% during September and 2.6% over the preceding year. This measure separates out two categories whose prices can fluctuate sharply.
The release arrives ahead of November’s midterm elections. The BLS said the next CPI report, covering October, is scheduled for November 10.
This story was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed below and reviewed by a human editor before publication.