U.S. consumer prices rose faster than expected over the year through September 2026, according to data released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index increased 3.7% from a year earlier, compared with economists’ 3.6% forecast, as reported by Fox Business.
The index rose 0.6% from August, matching economists’ expectations. That was a faster monthly increase than August’s 0.4%; the annual rate also rose from 3.4% the previous month.
Excluding food and energy, core prices increased 0.3% for the month and 2.6% over the year. Both readings exceeded forecasts of 0.2% and 2.5%, respectively. The monthly core increase was slightly lower than August’s 0.3%, while the annual rate rose from 2.4%.
Energy prices rose 5.2% in September and were 20.4% higher than a year earlier. Gasoline prices climbed 9.1% from August and 34.2% over 12 months. The BLS said gasoline accounted for more than half of the monthly increase in the overall CPI. Electricity prices rose 0.2% for the month and 4.4% over the year.
The report indicates that headline inflation accelerated, with energy costs contributing substantially to the monthly increase. The figures are from the September 2026 CPI report; this account reflects the information provided in Fox Business’s report.
