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US inflation rises to 3.7% in September as gas jumps
In brief
US consumer prices rose 0.6% from August to September 2026, pushing the 12-month inflation rate to 3.7% from 3.4% in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday. Core inflation, which leaves out food and energy, rose 0.3% in the month and 2.6% over the year.
What drove the increase
Gasoline was the biggest factor. The BLS said its gasoline index rose 9.1% in September and accounted for more than half of the monthly increase in overall prices. CNBC reported that gas prices were up 34% over the past year, which outlets linked to the Iran war and its effect on crude oil and refined fuels.
Housing, clothing and restaurant meals also cost more, NBC News reported, while groceries, medical care goods and utility gas service were among the few categories that got cheaper.
Slightly hotter than expected
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected a 0.6% monthly gain and a 3.6% annual rate, according to CNBC, so the headline figure came in a little above forecasts. Core CPI also beat estimates of 0.2% for the month and 2.5% for the year.
The Associated Press noted it was the largest monthly gain in five months and the final inflation report before the November 3 midterm elections, where affordability has been a central issue.
Check your own numbers
To see what 3.7% inflation means for a budget or savings goal, try our inflation calculator, or work out a price change with the percentage calculator. For background, read our plain-language inflation explainer.
Last updated: 14 Oct 2026. General news summary, not financial advice. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.
Why it matters
Faster inflation squeezes household budgets and can push the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer, which affects mortgages, car loans and savings rates.
Related free tools: Inflation Calculator, Percentage Calculator
Sources
- CNBC: Consumer prices rose 0.6% in September, putting annual inflation rate at 3.7%
- CNBC: Here's the inflation breakdown for September 2026 — in one chart
- NBC News: Inflation jumps to 3.7% as gas and diesel prices squeeze consumers ahead of the midterms
- Associated Press: Inflation worsened last month to 3.7% in sign that prices remain elevated as midterm elections near
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